When it comes to antique wedding rings, the Victorian era holds a special place in the history of jewellery design.
The Victorian period spans from 1837 to 1901; this era witnessed a range of intricate, romantic, and sentimental styles that continue to influence modern ring designs.
So, let’s delve into Victorian-style wedding rings by exploring their unique characteristics and highlighting some of the exquisite examples from this truly fascinating historical era.
Styles of Victorian Wedding Rings
Romantic and Sentimental Rings
Victorian-era rings often featured intricate engravings and delicate filigree work. Sentiments and emotions were often expressed through secret compartments, hidden messages, or symbolic motifs.
Such examples include “regard” rings, featuring gemstones that spell out the word “regard” (Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond) or “acrostic” rings, spelling out the wearer’s initials using gemstones.
Mourning Rings
Mourning rings were crafted in memory of a loved one who had passed away during the Victorian era. Memorial jewellery was enormously influenced by the deep mourning of Prince Albert by Queen Victoria after he died in 1861. The couple are known to have shared a deep love for both each other and jewellery and frequently commission pieces together.
Common materials used often included black enamel, hair of the deceased, and precious black gemstones like Whitby jet. Mourning rings also featured motifs like urns, weeping willows, and angels.
Such examples can be found in our Victorian mourning jewellery collection.
Cluster Rings
Cluster rings are characterized by a central gemstone surrounded by smaller stones. The halo style, where diamonds encircled a central gem, was becoming an increasingly popular style during the Victorian era.
Such Victorian examples can be found in our cluster engagement ring collection.
Materials and Metal
Gold
Yellow gold was the most popular metal for Victorian rings. Its warmth and timeless appeal has made it a favourite choice for many.
Here at AC Silver, we are pleased to offer many fine examples of Victorian rings crafted in gold for sale.
Furthermore, rose gold also gained popularity during the mid-Victorian era. Its pinkish hue added that romantic and feminine touch to many Victorian ring designs.
Silver and Platinum
Silver and platinum were used for intricate detailing and diamond settings. Platinum, known for its durability, became more prevalent towards the end of the Victorian era and continued to be used.
More Notable Examples
The Solitaire Diamond Ring
While solitaire rings have existed for centuries, they gained mass popularity during the late Victorian era. A single diamond set on a simple band symbolized the purity of love.
Art Nouveau Rings
Towards the end of the Victorian era, the Art Nouveau style emerged from 1880-1910. Such rings in this style featured flowing, organic lines and nature-inspired motifs.
Such fine examples can be found within our Art Nouveau jewellery collection.
Victorian-style wedding rings are so much more than just jewellery; these are significant pieces of history, art, and love. With their intricate designs, sentimental meanings, and use of various metals, they continue to inspire and influence the ring designs years later.
Exploring the Victorian era’s rich array of styles and materials is a journey through a time when romance and sentimentality were expressed through the art of jewellery.
And whether you’re captivated by the elegance of yellow gold, the charm of rose gold or the durability of platinum, there’s a Victorian-style wedding ring to suit every taste, making it a truly timeless choice for your special day.
