Value of antique vs. re-creation

[Papillion]

In judging whether a reproduction vs. an antique is worth the extra price, what is the extra value in an antique ring? For instance, let's say you're looking at five-stone old cut bands created by a modern seller compared to an actual Victorian era antique using the same old cut stones. What is the worth of getting the antique? I'm talking in dollars, not just intrinsic value of having an antique.

 

[Bron357]

Hard to say, there are many factors at play when purchasing Antique jewellery.
The positive, sometimes it’s the workmanship, difficult and expensive to recreate. Sometimes it’s the cut of the gemstones, many love wonky old cuts and Rose cut diamonds. Sometimes people want to own something with history, something that may be a “one of a kind”. Sometimes it’s the hallmarks identifying it to a desirable region or maker.
The negatives - the setting can be worn, it can require rehabbing which can be expensive. Sometimes the gemstones are chipped or abraided due to age and wear. Sometimes gems have been replaced, this can negate the charm or intent of purchasing an antique piece. Sometimes resizing the piece to fit can result in disturbance to the pattern if engraved.
Generally speaking, most pre loved jewellery is sold for a combination of the value of components (precious metal weight, gemstone value) rarity and desirability. The last two factors being very difficult to quantify in $$$ terms. Certainly there is a premium associated to genuine Georgian jewellery because of its rarity.
A “standard” Victorian era 5 stone OEC Damond ring would be cheaper and easier to find than sourcing 5 suitable OEC and having a hand cast setting made.
If the Victorian era ring becomes “less standard” ie larger size good colour and clarity OEC diamonds in an ornate ring in excellent condition it becomes more expensive than a reproduction. Likewise a modern reproduction of a Victorian setting in a machine made setting becomes cheaper than the equivalent Victorian era ring.

 

[Papillion]

Hard to say, there are many factors at play when purchasing Antique jewellery.
The positive, sometimes it’s the workmanship, difficult and expensive to recreate. Sometimes it’s the cut of the gemstones, many love wonky old cuts and Rose cut diamonds. Sometimes people want to own something with history, something that may be a “one of a kind”. Sometimes it’s the hallmarks identifying it to a desirable region or maker.
The negatives - the setting can be worn, it can require rehabbing which can be expensive. Sometimes the gemstones are chipped or abraided due to age and wear. Sometimes gems have been replaced, this can negate the charm or intent of purchasing an antique piece. Sometimes resizing the piece to fit can result in disturbance to the pattern if engraved.
Generally speaking, most pre loved jewellery is sold for a combination of the value of components (precious metal weight, gemstone value) rarity and desirability. The last two factors being very difficult to quantify in $$$ terms. Certainly there is a premium associated to genuine Georgian jewellery because of its rarity.
A “standard” Victorian era 5 stone OEC Damond ring would be cheaper and easier to find than sourcing 5 suitable OEC and having a hand cast setting made.
If the Victorian era ring becomes “less standard” ie larger size good colour and clarity OEC diamonds in an ornate ring in excellent condition it becomes more expensive than a reproduction. Likewise a modern reproduction of a Victorian setting in a machine made setting becomes cheaper than the equivalent Victorian era ring.

Thank you for your informative reply! I see repro old mine cut five stone rings that are somewhat inexpensive, but finding a real antique one is proving to be a little difficult without buying from British vendors. They have some antique jewelry stores that are very well known and trustworthy that are on 1st dibs (Such as Berganza and Ferringdon's and Bentley-Skinner) and and that are supposed to be vetted and allow for returns, but I still feel very leery of buying from Great Britain for something fairly expensive and paying for customs fees and would rather buy something here in the U.S. And they are also very pricey! But the selection is very limited of what's left. Old mine cuts seem to be growing more scarce. Anyone know of a good U.S. vendor with a good selection?