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Vintage and Antique Jewelry All You Need To Know

Education, General, Vintage & Antique

asscher cut orchid purple sapphire engagement ring diamond halo

Vintage and Antique Jewelry: you hear us talk about the Vintage & Antique Jewelry in our estate cases all the time. But what is antique jewelry anyway? And what makes a ring vintage? What’s in the estate cases? In modern jewelry and appraising terminology: 

Vintage Jewelry is used to describe any pre-owned item more than 50 years old. For our purposes, that means items from the Mid Century Era and earlier. 

Antique Jewelry refers to any original Antique piece of jewelry 100 years old or more. Based on year 2022, this means Art Deco items, Edwardian pieces, Victorian pieces, Georgian rarities, and pieces going back through antiquity. 

Estate Jewelry refers to any pre-owned jewelry that does not fall into the above categories. Think of used items, made post 1975, or from an unknown era. Maybe the item is an amalgamation of several other pieces, changing the original character, thus no longer being an original antique, but still a used item. 

Period Jewelry refers to any antique or vintage item from a specific era or design period. Through a combination of hallmarks, signatures, design elements, manufacturing techniques used, and other hints, we can date pieces quite accurately. If they belong to a particular era; we call them by that name and refer to them as a period item. Example: a starburst pendant set with seed pearls in gold, circa 1890, would be an antique Victorian period brooch. 

At Federal Way Custom Jewelers, we always have Vintage Jewelry and Antique items in stock, whether it be old jewelry boxes, antique rings, vintage necklaces, period pendants, vintage earrings, bracelets and more. And if you are actively seeking vintage jewelry of any sort, may we invite you to contact us so we can advise you on the various styles of vintage jewelry and what we have in stock at that time. Our renowned ‘Antique & Estate Cases’ are always brimming with antique and vintage treasures of every type imaginable, to suit every occasion and budget. 

Selecting Vintage and Antique Jewelry

Vintage Jewelry Boxes

Vintage Engagement Rings – Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Wedding Rings – Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Platinum Rings and Jewelry

Antique Cut Diamonds – European

Antique Cut Gemstones

 

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Vintage and Antique Jewelry Repair

Vintage and Antique Jewelry Restoration

 

 

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

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What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
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What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
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What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

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Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.