The WBAW? Down-to-earth guide to buying an antique
diamond ring or…

Myths of buying an engagement ring

There is an alternative way to buying an antique diamond ring! If you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring, and we gather that you are, chances are you may be following the usual approach. This is first to seek a specific diamond, and then to obtain a mounting in which to set the diamond.

In helping you approach this exciting, although sometimes daunting, task of selecting a diamond ring, we have compiled this guide. For years, we have listened to our customers' horror stories of the anxiety they felt in certain stores with all the admonitions, rules, and expectations, which made them feel distressed and confused!  We want your experience shopping for that very special engagement ring to be fun, educational, and uplifting.  To that end, we would like to offer some advice and reassurance that we hope will make your experience more enjoyable and less distressing.

While it is your prerogative to have a big and beautiful and impressive diamond, we don't believe that a diamond has to be big in order for you to have an engagement ring that is beautiful, distinctive and special. At WBAW?, we seek out beauty, not size.  We encourage you to do the same.  Many of our customers, who were looking at much larger diamonds elsewhere, decided to purchase their diamond rings from us because they found ours to be more beautiful and more special!

Do you think the salesperson's motivations are affected if they receive a commission based on the amount of the sale?  Well, we think so.  That's why WBAW? salespeople are NON-COMMISIONED!  Their salary does not depend on selling that more expensive ring. We think this approach makes the shopping experience more pleasant and relaxing for our customers.   We hope you find it reassuring that our salespeople are here to assist and guide you, rather than sell to you ! Ask other salespeople if they are commissioned; you may find that the vast majority are.  We think this makes a difference!

You can buy a beautiful engagement ring at WBAW? for as much as $20,000, or as little as $1,000. In fact, we have an extensive selection of beautiful, antique diamond rings priced from only $500.00.   Since beauty has much to do with a beautiful setting, you can find antique rings set in white or yellow gold (or a combination of the two) that are both beautiful and special, at very modest prices. We challenge you to do the same in a traditional, modern jewelry store.

I want a "D" color diamond...

We specialize in Old European Cut diamonds, which is the name for the style of diamond cutting from the turn of the century until the 1950's.

(Please see additional details above regarding cut of Old European Cut diamonds) It is difficult to find high-color Old European Cut diamonds, since the Modern Brilliant Cut has become the standard in diamond cutting. OEC are extremely scarce in E/F/G color, as most were re-cut to suit popular trends. Therefore, the supply of OEC diamonds in general, and in high-color OEC diamonds in particular, has greatly diminished.

Owing to the tremendous popularity and interest in antique diamond rings and Old European Cut diamonds, the value of this so-called "endangered species" has appreciated tremendously, to the point where they are priced comparably to MBC diamonds. Furthermore, the demand for Old European Cut diamonds has recently reduced the practice of re-cutting of OEC diamonds into Modern Brilliants.

Some jewelers may advise you that your diamond ring purchase is an investment. It's probably best not to think about your diamond this way.  Yes, over time the value of quality diamonds increases.  But be cautious of buying a more expensive diamond because it is a good investment.   Instead, buy the ring that you love and can afford.

Diamonds that are free from any internal imperfections are extremely rare.  While VS grade (very slightly included) is a very desirable grade of diamond, be assured that there is nothing wrong with a diamond that grades SI (slightly included) in clarity.  Slightly Included means that an experienced diamond grader can detect imperfections in the stone with a 10 power loupe.* However, more important is that SI further means that the diamond is eye clean; you cannot see any imperfections with an unaided eye.  You will pay less for an SI stone than for VS, and on your finger you will not  be able to see the difference.

*Chances are, once you have selected your diamond ring,  you will never be examining your diamond again with a 10 power loupe.  Your friends  probably won't ask to examine your stone with a 10 power loupe either!

Yes, that's true.  Just because it's old doesn't make it beautiful.

At WBAW? we don't just carry old diamond rings, we carry beautiful diamond rings! We select for our collection based on strict criteria of beauty of style and design, as well as excellence of craftsmanship and condition. These are the things that concern us when we are selecting for our inventory and overseeing the restoration of our pieces.  These are the things we want you to notice as well!

Dr. Ken Jacobs, Ph.D.,  discourages neurotic behavior!

That's the WBAW? story.  We provide merchandise that is of the highest quality and  craftsmanship by paying great attention to detail, design, style and overall beauty.  All this in an atmosphere that is friendly, relaxed, professional, and personal! We are constantly searching for beautiful antique diamond rings for our collection.  It is our pleasure to make these beauties of the past available to you. All you have to do is decide!!!!!!!!