8 Best Victorian Engagement Rings (2023)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS---
Victorian jewelry is rich with romantic symbolism and a Victorian engagement ring can be the perfect choice for a couple to represent their relationship. By recognizing and understanding the symbolism of this distinctive era, couples can more easily decide if a Victorian engagement ring will best represent the depth and richness of their own romance.
What You Need To Know---
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About the Victorian era
- 10 best Victorian engagement rings
- Flower
- Star
- Hearts
- Gemstones
- Rose cut diamond
- Meaning and symbolism of Victorian rings
- Birds
- Horseshoes & clovers
- Snakes & serpents
- Hands
- Choosing a Victorian engagement ring
About the Victorian Era
The Victorian Era stretched from the mid-1830s to 1900, coinciding with the reign of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (1837-1901). This era was strongly characterized by romanticism and a high regard for virtuous behavior and morality. In terms of fashion, including jewelry, this was shown by lavish ornamentation with elaborate symbolism.
Fine craftsmanship is another hallmark of Victorian era jewelry and engagement rings, and the wistful quality of this jewelry’s symbolism still resonates with modern couples and their romantic relationships.
5 Best Victorian Engagement Rings
• Flower
The Victorian era embraced nature’s beauty and botany was a popular hobby, and flowers often appeared in Victorian jewelry. While the exact meaning depends on the specific flower, blooms representing faith, sincerity, and purity are ideal for engagement rings.
• Star
Another connection, the star illustrates femininity in Victorian symbolism. It also shows guidance through the changing seasons, which is perfect for any couple hoping to stay together for many seasons of marriage.
• Hearts
These classic symbols of romance are a popular motif in Victorian jewelry and engagement rings. Representing compassion and love through the ages, hearts can be found in many ways, from intricate metalwork and settings to heart-shaped stones.
• Gemstones
The gemstones that are part of Victorian engagement rings an add more meaning and symbolism to the jewelry. The meanings of different stones, including birthstones, could represent romance, passion, individuality, innocence, and many other character traits.
• Rose Cut Diamond
The rose cut diamond shape was first developed in the late 1400s and early 1500s, well before any machine assistance for more precise, symmetrical diamond cutting and polishing. Rose cut diamonds lack a pavilion – the pointed underside familiar on other diamond shapes. Instead, the rose cut has a flat back, which maximizes the look of the stone’s carat weight, since no extra mass is hidden underneath the stone.
Meaning and Symbolism of Victorian Rings
Every Victorian ring has stunning symbolism, depending on the features highlighted in the ring’s design. While not every ring will have every design element, popular features of Victorian era rings includes....
• Birds
Elegant and graceful, birds in Victorian engagement rings are symbols of faith, loyalty, peace, and hope.
• Horseshoes & Clover Leaves
Both of these symbols offer protection from evil and give the wearer positive energy while supporting success and prosperity.
• Snakes & Serpents
These graceful reptiles symbolize eternity and wisdom, rich characteristics for any couple to share in their marriage.
• Hands
Another popular feature of the Victorian era, hands represent loyalty, strength, and friendship.
Choosing a Victorian Engagement Ring
With so much symbolism imbued in Victorian engagement rings, jewelry from this era can be a stunning choice for one of the most meaningful rings a couple will share. When considering Victorian jewelry, it is best to view and try on several different rings to see which styles are best, not only for their meaning and symbolism, but to be sure the rings fit well and the design complements the couple’s relationship.
With so many different design options from the Victorian era, every couple interested in one of these richly symbolic rings can find a beautiful choice to represent the start of their happily ever after.
Victorian Engagement Rings For Everyone
No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Find The Perfect Victorian Engagement Ring:
Antique diamond rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Victorian engagement rings today.
Suzanne Sachs
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