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If you’re in the market for a ring, a sparkling new diamond is the obvious option – but it isn’t your only one. Particularly when it comes to engagement rings, a new diamond is a stunning choice; however, there are many advantages to purchasing a pre-loved ring instead.
Choosing a pre-loved ring is never easy, and it’s important that you feel confident both when shopping and purchasing. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a guide to buying second-hand rings, including why they could be the ideal choice for you and the important factors to consider before purchasing.
Why buy pre-loved rings?
There are many things a pre-loved ring can offer over a new ring.
Greater variety of choice
Whether you’re looking for contemporary or vintage style rings, another benefit of pre-loved rings is that it provides you with a wider variety of designs to choose from. Pre-loved rings tend to feel more unique, and are a great alternative to a custom piece.
They are often one-of-a-kind and offer the opportunity to find authentic heirlooms from different eras. Instead of replicating 1920s pieces you can have the genuine article.
Alternatively, you can find popular and contemporary ring materials, such as platinum, for a fraction of the price.
Environmental impact
Another important factor to consider is the fact that pre-loved rings are more ethically sound, and have less of an impact on the environment. Mining for diamonds, gold and other precious substances has a detrimental effect not only on our climate but in many cases, human rights in the areas they are mined. By choosing a pre-loved ring, you aren’t contributing to the demand for newly mined materials, and limiting your carbon footprint.
What to look out for when shopping for pre-loved rings
There are two things you can do to help determine the quality, authenticity and pricing of your ring.
Ensure you purchase from reputable and certified jewellers
A simple step to take before purchasing your ring is to check the reputation and credentials of the place you buy your ring from. Here at Gatsby Jewellery, we are members of The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), and The British Jewellers’ Association. You can be sure that the jewellery we sell is well authenticated and of fair value, and other jewellery retailers should be similarly qualified to authenticate your pieces.
Check for stamps and hallmarks
You can authenticate jewellery yourself by looking at the hallmarks on pre-loved pieces. Hallmarks will identify the carat and quality of your ring; you can learn how to read your ring’s hallmark here. White and yellow gold rings will have a stamp detailing the carat and gold purity of the ring.
However, not all jewellery will feature a hallmark, as this process was not standardised until 1973. Here at Gatsby, we use a Niton metal analyser to ensure that our pieces are made exactly from the materials they are supposed to be.
Pre-loved engagement rings
To find something truly special for your loved one, discover a ring from a bygone era that truly reflects how unique they are. Antique jewellery from different eras, such as the Art Deco, Victorian or Edwardian eras, is both beautiful and in many instances one-of-a-kind, therefore being the perfect pieces to signify such a special occasion.
Where to buy pre-loved rings
You don’t have to look very far – we have a vast range of different pre-loved rings in many different styles and shapes. We have a large collection of antique engagement rings from eras dating as far back as the Georgians, in many cuts and colours.
If you’re shopping for a ring that isn’t an engagement ring, such as an anniversary gift or a wedding band, we can cater to these needs too, with our range of vintage rings. Choose an authentic, certified ring from our collections today.