vintage, reproduction, or fake!? part 1
a vintage inspired ring we made for a client
A “vintage engagement ring” should be at least 50 years old. Many jewelry companies, especially ones that deal in vintage jewelry, make what are called reproductions or vintage replica engagement rings and these are not thought of as “fakes”. Vintage reproductions can be exact copies of one original vintage ring but can also be designed based on common vintage styles like say filigree work and millegrain edges. These rings are called vintage reproduction or vintage inspired and are never sold as actual vintage rings. Some, we won’t name names, companies don’t state in an obvious way that their rings are reproduction and they are shown in a gallery together along side actual vintage rings.. so be wary.
All this mind, it does happen that a vintage reproduction ends up being passed along as an actual vintage ring. Luckily we’re exceptional at spotting these phonies straightaway. After many years of dealing with vintage jewelry, it becomes second nature. Part looking for the all too obvious tall tale signs and of course part instinct. You may or may not possess the instinct but you can always do a little detective work.
We’ll give tips in Part 2.
