FAQs
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Please see our Packaging, Delivery & Returns page for timings, but we recommend allowing at least five working days for delivery in the UK.
How long will it take to resize my engagement ring?
Door-to-door, the resizing process takes 2-3 weeks. This window allows time for delivery, the resize itself, cleaning, and quality control. If your vintage ring is set with gemstones, our stone-setter will also need to give its settings a careful check-over following the resize.
To request a resize, please drop us an email so we can explain the process in greater detail and make suitable arrangements.
Is it better to get an engagement ring resized before or after the proposal?
Your vision of the perfect proposal probably involves you slipping the engagement ring on to her finger and for the perfect fit first time, but we advise leaving the ring sizing until after the proposal. Resizing a ring more than once can compromise the structural integrity of its precious metal, so we recommend avoiding numerous resizes if possible. In other words, we suggest proposing with the ring unaltered and having it resized afterwards. That way, she can have her ring size measured by a jeweller - no need for guessing games.
How do I find out her ring size?
Although this is our #1 most frequently asked question, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, we recommend holding off on resizing the ring until after you've popped the question, so your partner can join in on the process for ensured accuracy. If your partner's unable to visit us or a local jeweller to have their ring finger measured in person, please get in touch to loan an at-home ring sizer.
If you really have your heart set on sizing the engagement ring before you propose, we can suggest a handful of tried and tested methods to help you estimate your partner's ring size; check out our blog post for our top tips.
Can I return a ring if I’ve changed my mind?
If you haven't already had the ring resized, we're happy for you to return it during the cooling-off period of 14 days from receipt. Please note that we can only issue refunds for rings returned during this time period, unworn and in their original packaging and condition. If the ring has already been resized - thus customised for you - we are unable to accept its return.
What if my partner doesn’t like the ring?
As above, please simply return the ring to us safely, in its original condition and packaging, within the 14-day cooling-off period.
How do I return a ring?
Please see our Packaging, Delivery & Returns page for instructions on how to return a ring.
How can I be sure that the ring setting isn’t worn?
A ring setting has an incredibly important job, because it's designed to hold a diamond or gemstone in place. The most classic of engagement ring settings is the prong setting, which features small claws that hug the stone tightly. Other ring settings commonly seen in antique and vintage engagement rings include the cluster setting, halo setting, three-stone setting, split-shank setting and bezel setting. You can learn more about these settings and which might be most suitable for your partner here. Settings do wear over time - especially if a ring has endured heavy use - but we enlist a team of jewellery experts to check every ring before we list it for sale and, where necessary, repair their settings to ensure quality and longevity. You won’t find rings on The Vintage Ring Co. website with worn settings, but you might see other minor signs of use to decorative flourishes such as filigree detailing and etching.
How long is my ring going to last?
Engagement rings are prone to damage because they're worn every day for years on end. There are, however, some simple steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your vintage ring.
We recommend removing it during any activity that might leave it vulnerable. This means…
- Not wearing it when exercising, playing sport, gardening or lifting heavy objects. (No weight-lifting in the gym, please!) This is to prevent scratching or warping
- Minimising contact with hard or abrasive surfaces (think car keys, garage doors or scrubbing cloths!)
- To prevent metal corrosion at the hands of harsh household chemicals, removing it or wearing rubber gloves whilst carrying out any sort of housework
- Removing it whilst showering or washing your hands. (Shower loofahs and sponges are a claw setting’s arch nemesis!)
Please also take the time to examine your stone setting on a monthly basis to ensure your gem is safe and secure. You can do so by tapping the band and listening out to check you can’t hear a rattling sound. If your ring boasts a claw setting, it’s also important to feel the claws to ensure they haven’t lifted or moved. A tell-tale sign of this being the case is the catching of hair and fibres. If you have an inkling (big or small!) that your stone might be loose, please let us know – we’ll have it professionally checked over for you.
We also recommend washing your ring once a month or so, to remove any film left behind by household or cosmetic products. To do this, fill a bowl with warm water and washing-up liquid. Let the ring soak for around 30 minutes, then brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Top tip: kids' toothbrushes are usually softer, which makes them perfect for cleaning delicate jewellery! Keep this toothbrush separate from your other cleaning brushes and use it only to tend to your jewellery. This way, it will stay soft and clean.
If the worst comes to the worst, accidental damage is usually easily repaired. This blog post explores some of the most common mishaps with vintage engagement rings, and how we might go about redeeming them.
Will my vintage ring be covered by my house insurance?
Your vintage ring will usually be covered by your home insurance, but we recommend giving your policy holder a call to check. Always keep the receipt for your ring in a safe place.
What type of wedding ring will match my vintage engagement ring?
Our collection is a varied array of unique jewels hailing from various periods in design history. For this reason, there is no simple answer to this question; it really depends on the shape and size of your engagement ring. In the first instance, we recommend visiting a few jewellers to try on sample wedding bands alongside your engagement ring, gauging what does and doesn't work. If you're unable to find an existing wedding band design that feels like the right fit, it might be worth exploring the bespoke route. 'Bespoke' isn't necessarily synonymous with 'expensive'; particularly not if you envisaging a simple shaped design. Our founder Arabel Lebrusan specialises in ethical jewellery design, and could create you a wedding band using responsible materials such as reclaimed vintage diamonds or Fairmined Ecological Gold under her eponymous brand, Lebrusan Studio.
Complementary wedding band inspiration is presented in this blog post.
What does pre-owned mean?
All of our engagement rings are pre-owned, whether an authentic antique piece or a more recent vintage-style ring. Quite simply, 'pre-owned' means that somebody has owned it previously. Purchasing a pre-loved piece of jewellery is not only budget friendly but kind on the environment, too. Discover all the benefits of buying a second-hand engagement ring here.
What's the difference between 18ct and 9ct gold?
The purity of gold is measured in carats, with 9ct gold being much more affordable than 18ct. But why is that? Well, simply put, 9ct gold is less pure than 18ct. It contains 37.5% pure gold – the rest consisting of other metals, mixed with the gold via a process called alloying. The presence of these other metals gives 9ct gold a slightly lighter and less saturated colour than 18ct gold. Meanwhile, 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold, the 25% most commonly consisting of silver or copper. Since 18ct gold contains twice the amount of pure gold as 9ct, it's generally 50% more expensive.
Do you have a shop where I can try on the rings?
We're a clicks-and-bricks business, which means our website is a great place to browse the full extent of our collection - but we're also available for in-person consultations. If you'd like to view our treasure chest of vintage rings in the flesh, you can visit us by appointment at the London Diamond Bourse in Hatton Garden on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Alternatively, we're also available in Brighton on the occasional Saturday morning. Please head here to request your appointment slot.
I can't find the answer to my question, what should I do next?
Please send us an email at help@thevintageringco.com, or give us a call on 07946942350. We endeavour to respond to enquiries within one working day.