Victorian Engagement Ring Meaning and Symbolism

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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
• Victorian Engagement Rings and Jewelry
• Meaning and Symbolism of Victorian Engagement Rings
• Crescent Moon and Star
• Horseshoes and Clover Leaves
• Flowers
• Hearts
• Birds
• Snakes and Serpents
• Hands
• Gemstones
  
• Choosing a Symbolic 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.

Victorian Jewelry

Victorian jewelry is easy to identify by their intricate designs, elaborate detailing, and motifs such as flowers, hearts, and serpents. Colored gemstones like emeralds, rubies, sapphires, garnets, and spinels added vibrant pops of color, contributing to their distinctive and ornate appearance. Rose gold and yellow gold were often the metals of choice, as they complemented the vibrant gemstones and intricate designs, enhancing their warmth and romantic appeal.

Meaning and Symbolism of Victorian Jewelry

Every piece of Victorian jewelry has stunning symbolism, depending on the features highlighted in the design. While not every piece will include every element, popular features of Victorian-era jewelry include...

1. Crescent Moon and Star

Another natural connection, the moon and star combination illustrates femininity in Victorian symbolism. The pair also shows guidance through the changing seasons, which is perfect for any couple hoping to stay together for many seasons of marriage.

2. Horseshoes and Clover Leaves

Both of these symbols offer protection from evil and give the wearer positive energy while supporting success and prosperity. These are all desirable traits for a couple’s marriage, and can be fine symbols in an engagement ring. 

3. Flowers

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.

4. 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.

5. Birds

Elegant and graceful, birds in Victorian engagement rings are symbols of faith, loyalty, peace, and hope, all ideal characteristics to symbolize an everlasting union. Swallows and doves are the most common birds represented in Victorian jewelry.

6. Snakes and Serpents

These graceful reptiles symbolize eternity and wisdom, rich characteristics for any couple to share in their marriage. Queen Victoria’s own engagement ring was a serpent, making a snake-themed Victorian ring a meaningful engagement choice.

7. Hands

Another popular feature of Victoria era jewelry, hands represent loyalty, strength, and friendship, all great traits for a marriage and lovely symbolism in an engagement ring. The hands are often combined with other features, such as holding a flower or embracing a heart.

Gemstones

The gemstones that are part of Victorian jewelry adds meaning and symbolism to the jewelry. The meanings of different stones, including birthstones, could represent romance, passion, individuality, innocence, and many other character traits.

Choosing Symbolic Victorian Jewelry

With so much symbolism imbued in Victorian jewelry, pieces 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.

Suzanne Sachs

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Contact Suzanne

If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.