These authentic Victorian era engagement rings are testaments to your everlasting love. Each antique ring is over 100 years old and has the most amazing character. You can sense a deep history in these incredible pieces. Write the next chapter of that history by inscribing your unique love story with these precious bands.
Named after Queen Victoria, the Victorian Era includes engagement rings and jewelry dating from 1835-1901. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these amazing antique rings, you have a real piece of history on your hands—literally! Many characteristics of rings from this era were inspired by its namesake, as Victoria was a young and popular ruler with exquisite fashion taste.
Prior to Victoria’s rule over England, fine jewelry had been limited to nobles and those in power. With the booming economy of this period and the rise of the middle class, however, these incredible pieces became attainable to more people. But Victorian Era engagement rings are anything but run-of-the-mill. Jewelry makers of the period crafted exceptional works inspired by nobility that celebrated the ability of common men and women to overcome their status and achieve great heights.
Craftsmen produced work inspired by the queen’s tastes, featuring a bold flair for the romantic and a sense of natural beauty. She was a real trend setter—so much so that many of the ring designs from this period are closely aligned with events in her life. Prior to the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, Victorian engagement rings featured warm, vibrant colors and light-hearted motifs like hearts, flowers and bows. Following her beloved husband’s death, however, Victoria entered a deep period of mourning. Victorian Era jewelers showed their sympathy for the queen, creating testaments to the powerful love she shared with Albert. Many rings following his death feature darker stones and designs like onyx and black enamel.
Gold is the most common metal to be found in Victorian engagement rings, as its reduced price at the time allowed for more jewelers to experiment with its use, creating truly breathtaking pieces. Silver was prominent as well, but gold dominated the era. Diamonds became exceedingly popular as well. Discovered in the middle of the 19th century in Africa, the dazzling stones quickly became the pièce de résistance for engagement rings around the world.
Stun your loved one with any of these incredible and timeless Victorian era engagement rings today.
