Should antique jewellery be restored to a new condition or left as it is?

Question

I have an old ring, it's been in the family for maybe 200 years, it's much older than that, possibly 1630's. It was originally gold plated over bronze, with an inscription that is still readable. But the gold has worn off in places and the bronze is showing through a lot - should I leave it, or get it re-plated? Would re-doing it ruin it as an antique, or should I try to restore it to it's former glory?

Answer 1

left alone

Answer 2

I would leave it as it is.

Answer 3

YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF GOING IN TO AN ANTIQUE JEWELLERS AND ASKING THEM WHAT THEY THINK. GETTING IT RESTORED COULD MAKE IT LOOK AT LOT BETTER BUT THEN IT COULD ALSO DEVAULE IT IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SELL IT.