Whether to re-milgrain vintage ring?

[Desertrose]

I'm looking at getting a vintage ring, photo attached. Dated to around early 1900's. The milgrain is worn off the outside edge, you can see a little bit left in a few spots. I was thinking of having the milgrain repaired.

The vendor made the comment that she wouldn't do anything to an antique ring. What are your thoughts? Better to leave as is, or add back milgrain? Does that reduce it's value?

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I don't see a photo, but I've also had a bit of wine.....

 

[foxinsox]

I don’t see a photo (no wines either boo!).
I get the argument about not doing anything to an antique cos then it could be considered not truly antique.. but I also think there’s a strong argument for rehabbing it. You’ve bought it to wear and love after all.

 

[Matthews1127]

No photo here, either. Depending on the thickness and integrity of the metal, I’d rehab it, and have them add millgrain. After all, the original design included millgrain. As long as there’s still enough space to add it, without compromising the metal, it shouldn’t cause an issue. If they refuse, find someone else who will.

 

[stracci2000]

There are no "rules".
If you buy it, it is yours to do with what you wish!
I don't think correcting the milgrain is a bad idea.

 

[junebug17]

I'm with stracci and Matthews, if you pay for it, it's your ring and you can do whatever you want with it! The opinion of the vendor doesn't matter. If redoing the milgrain will help you enjoy the ring more, I think you should go for it.

 

[Desertrose]

So sorry I forgot the photo! Attaching this time

Thanks StephanieLynn, Foxinsox, Matthews and Stracci...it sounds like there's not really a loss in value with redoing the milgrain. Guess value is always "in the eye of the beholder" anyway!




What do you think of this one?

 

[LJsapphire]

I had the milgrain repaired on mine
will see if I can find a before and after pic because the one I originally attached didn't really show it

 

[Matthews1127]

So sorry I forgot the photo! Attaching this time

Thanks StephanieLynn, Foxinsox, Matthews and Stracci...it sounds like there's not really a loss in value with redoing the milgrain. Guess value is always "in the eye of the beholder" anyway!




What do you think of this one?

Definitely add the millgrain.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Another vote for milgrain, it's a pretty ring and in restoring the milgrain you would be bringing back the original aesthetic, kind of bringing it back to its roots.

 

[foxinsox]

Oooh that's super pretty and yes, I would restore the milgrain on that in a heartbeat! Post handshots if you have them? I'll bet that's fiery and sparkly.

 

[Ally T]

Another vote for adding the milgrain here! It's beautiful btw!

 

[kgizo]

Very pretty ring. I like the idea of adding the milgrain. I don’t think minor repairs impact the value antique jewelry. If a piece has gotten to be 100 yrs old it is likely that stones have had to be replaced, resized, scratches buffed out, prongs retipped, etc. People don’t like to see an antique piece in like new condition, but maintenance is appreciated.

 

[LJsapphire]

I had the milgrain repaired on mine
will see if I can find a before and after pic because the one I originally attached didn't really show it

Found my before pics on my backup drive


and after
View media item 122431View media item 122429

 

[caf]

Desertrose - here is a band I had David Klass rehab this fall. Platinum, .15cts of H color, VS (one stone is I1) clarity single cut diamonds. So the first three are pre-rehab. I am going to try and attach some photos of the ring after.

 

[caf]

Here is a screen shot from the video - I will try and get you a few more. The ring is gorgeous now.

 

[caf]

 

[caf]

 

[Stone Hunter]

So sorry I forgot the photo! Attaching this time

Thanks StephanieLynn, Foxinsox, Matthews and Stracci...it sounds like there's not really a loss in value with redoing the milgrain. Guess value is always "in the eye of the beholder" anyway!




What do you think of this one?

I would add the milgrain back if you can find a jeweler experienced with antiques.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Here is a screen shot from the video - I will try and get you a few more. The ring is gorgeous now.

WOW @caf This is a STUNNING rehab.

 

[KittyKatEve]

I vote rehad if you havent decided yet! I do not think its a bad thing to do maintenance on an antique ring. Antique cars have to have maintenance and it does not destroy the value.