Victorian Engagement Rings

Victorian engagement rings come from an era that was divided into many periods. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901 although the Victorian Era is sometimes thought of as running from the early 1830s up to 1903.

In the earlier years of the period, styles ran from medieval to Gothic Revival. Towards the end you start to see Art Nouveau, Japonism, and the Arts and Crafts movement (among others).

It's really in between the two that Victorian design took on the heavily-worked, detailed and abundant look that we know today.

Victorian engagement rings, like all Victorian jewelry, became an important part of a growing middle class who benefited directly from the industrial revolution.

Since the Queen herself had a love of jewelry it was only natural that those who could afford it would lavish their women with expensive jewels.

It was in 1840 when Victoria married her true love Albert and she received what would now be considered the first Victorian engagement ring—a serpent ring with an emerald encrusted head.

The serpent, at the time, was thought of as a symbol of eternal love and good luck while the emeralds were her birthstone and birthstone engagement rings were quite common at the time and still are today, in many parts of Europe.

Given the strong influence Victoria had and still has today, she actually popularized the giving of a snake ring as an engagement ring.

Victorian Design & Motifs

Victoria was a romantic and inspired many trends in Victorian jewelry. Design elements that represented love and nature were found in abundance. Victorian engagement rings and jewelry with motifs of flowers, birds, hearts and love sayings became increasingly common. While colored gemstones also became increasingly popular especially garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and opals.

Other important elements in Victorian jewelry is the use of gold. They found new ways to work with gold that had previously been unseen. They used engraving, granulation, texture and filigree (a lace effect) in both yellow and rose gold to bring their designs to life.

Diamonds also began to play a more important role in Victorian rings and jewelry as the precious gemstone became more available and affordable when large diamond deposits were found in South Africa around 1867. Two of the most common diamond cuts of the time are no longer found today; the Old Mine Cut and Old European Cut, however the cushion cut which was also very popular is still available and enjoyed by many.

Victorian Engagement Rings Today

Real Victorian engagement rings like all period antique jewelry is becoming increasingly hard to find although pieces are still available in some antique, estate, and specialty jewelry stores.

If you're in the market for one, make sure that you deal with a reputable retailer so that you don't end up with a Victorian style engagement ring, as opposed to one that actually comes from the period. If you're not sure about the ring, ask if you can have it independently evaluated prior to purchasing it.

If you want some idea of where to start your hunt for a real period piece, we like Fay Cullen who has a full catalogue of pieces online and sells worldwide.

If you're having trouble finding the right period piece or they're out of your price range, consider a modern Victorian inspired ring instead. Victoria's influence on jewelry and design has been so strong that throughout the 20th century right through to today, many jewelers choose to create Victorian inspired engagement rings that offer new world technology alongside the magical and intricate styling of the romantic Victorian era.