For an unusual look, give your fiancee an antique engagement ring. It will not only ensure that your sweetheart receives a ring as unique as herself, an antique ring will appreciate in value. So it is the sure-fire way to get your girlfriend to say, "yes." However, don't expect to go to your nearest antique store and get a high quality ring without knowing a few things first! Check below for some suggestions:

There is a difference between "antique" and "estate." Antique engagement rings is any item over 50 years of age. Conversely, estate jewelry, or "previously owned jewelry" are items less then 50 years old. When considering durability, remember that Georgian jewelry is extremely fragile. Although beautiful, it will not hold up to daily wear and tear.

Through the turn of the century and up until the 1940's, the ring styles are varied, and these are the most popular to date. The Edwardian style, circa 1930, is typically in white gold or platinum. The delicate, feminine designs are often made from metals contrasting in color, for example: a white-gold filigreed diamond setting would be combined with a band of yellow gold. The white gold served to enhance the brilliance and cut of the solitaire diamond, as well as the filigree work, which was a technique of piercing the metal to create a lacy and often complex design, such as scrollwork or roses. Typically, these engagement ring settings included a solitaire or three-stone diamonds, often adorned with even smaller diamonds and gemstones.

Jewelry from the Victorian Era held its own soft charm, and was more often seen in yellow or rose gold. These rings vary from single and elegant to the more intricate designs, with rows of antique diamonds or one single old-world European-cut diamond.

Art Deco engagement rings are truly distinguishable from the rest, in that the focus is more upon fluid shapes and sleek design, such as a square setting for the diamond, flush with separate squares on the band. Another example, is a delicate band offset by a large circular setting for the diamond, which emphasizes the circular cut of the diamond itself.

If you do not want to take your chances with buying an antique, exact replicas of antique engagement rings can usually be crafted for you, in the style and color that best suits you.