Reproduction Target Rings, Part 3

So about the crazy case full of target rings…

This man (who was perfectly nice) pulled out some of his trays loaded with reproductions so we could take a look.  We love to look when we have a chance - it helps Marion keep her eye “trained” and is a good opportunity for me to learn.  These rings had great looking tops – a center stone with an old cut (old mine or old European) diamond with calibré and diamond surrounds.  The shanks were all thick (a dead giveaway) and the shoulders (where the top meets the shank) were plain (in an old ring the shoulder would be delicately decorated).  Some people would be thrilled to own these rings.  More power to them; they won’t find them at Past Era.  We have also seen reproductions that have lovely wire shanks.  These are pretty; however we have seen them many times and know that they are being manufactured somewhere.  For us, much of the appeal of an antique ring is that it is UNIQUE.  Not just well made and gorgeous, but individual.  These rings had millegrained edges (which you often find in an antique) but the millegraining was so rough and new you could have sawn lumber with it.  I guess my point is that these things are like a Monet – look good from far away but up close it is a mess (I am quoting the movie Clueless.  Great flick).

The target rings I saw at the show were like this.  Pretty enough, I think.  But Marion pointed out that instead of a beautiful shank the rings had “extras” on the tops.  An extra scroll, heavy engraving, whatever.  An antique has exquisite detail but it also has restraint.  A lot like when you read a fashion magazine and they tell you that if you want to look great for a fabulous night out you shouldn’t wear a dress that is short, tight and showing too much cleavage.  The restraint is what makes it elegant.  I guess that is what I see in many reproductions- they kinda pull all the tricks out of the bag.  Too much of flash and not enough concern about the make.  It is the proverbial short, tight, low cut dress.  Plenty of people want to buy that.  But if they want appeal that is about fit, quality and fun, they shop at Past Era.   You know, Paris Hilton versus Audrey Hepburn.


- Cristina