Antique Victorian Engagement Rings

Antique Victorian engagement rings are perfect for the romantic woman who loves history, intricate design, and unique jewelry. Although it is difficult to find rings from the early years of the Victorian era (1837-1901), there are some available. Finding engagement rings from the latter portion of Victorian times and into the Edwardian era is much easier.

Victorian Style

The earliestVictorian engagementrings were made of groups and clusters of small diamonds and other precious stones. Large diamonds were not widely available at the time. This changed in 1870 with the opening of the first diamond mines in South Africa. From that point on larger diamonds were available to those who could afford them and it was not unusual to see a single large stone fitted in a delicate Victorian setting.

• Although each ring was unique there were some common details that helped to create Victorian style. Here are a few tips and facts about Victorian rings:
• The standard for Victorian engagement rings was yellow gold. Most of what you will find will be in this color.
• Queen Victoria wore, and popularized, a serpent engagement ring. The serpent was considered to be a symbol of eternity and was usually made in two designs; one for the bride and one for the groom. Precious stones were used for decoration.
• In 1886 Tiffany introduced a six prong setting which allowed a stone to be held more securely.
• One type of ring was called a Dearest or Regard ring. You may want to use these terms in addition to any others that you use when doing a search for the ring of your dreams. The Dearest ring were bands that were filled with colored stones and had sentiments etched inside. A variety of colored stones could be used, as well as colored stones interspersed with diamonds.
• Pearls were very popular as the center stone for antique engagement rings. They often had small diamonds around them.
• Cushion cut diamonds were a popular choice for Victorian brides. This is also referred to as a pillow-cut or candlelight diamond. It is not as fiery as the modern cuts but it is classic and will set your ring apart from a modern ring.
• Rings were often carved with the popular motifs of the day such as flowers, hearts, birds, or bows.

You can't just walk into a random jewelry store and find dozens of antique engagement rings. You may find a store that carries heirloom or estate jewelry and find some engagement rings in the mix but usually this will be a small number overall.

You may also have some luck at a local antique mall or antique shops specializing in antique jewelry.

As with many things these days the best places to find antique rings are online at shops specializing in antique fine jewelry. You may also be able to find them on sites like eBay although you will want to be very careful about who you buy from and ask plenty of questions. Fakes, low quality, and misrepresented merchandise abound!

One important caution: if you see something you love then you had better buy it without waiting very long. Antiques are one of kind items and if you don't buy it someone else will. Choose wisely but choose quickly!

The Three Graces

The Three Graces is an online jewelry store specializing in a variety of antique rings, necklaces, and other items. Their jewelry is categorized by era and type to make it easy to sort through and find just what you are looking for.

The company is based near Austin, Texas and has offices in Houston. It has been in business for eight years, making it a solid choice for novice shoppers.

Topazery

Topazery carries vintage and antique engagement rings. Each ring has the approximate year it was made in the description which makes it easy to find exactly the style you are looking for.

The website also contains articles with valuable information about periods, old fashioned diamond cuts, and information on color and clarity. There is a plethora of other helpful information as well.

Dover Jewelry

Dover is located in Miami, Florida and has a large collection of antique engagement rings and other jewelry online. The company buys as well as sells antique jewelry and has some interesting pieces.

Things Gone By

Things Gone By has been selling antique and vintage jewelry online for ten years. They have a 100% money back guarantee as well. The collection of engagement rings was small at this writing but like all antique dealers, the stock changes very quickly.

Choosing and antique engagement ring is not an inexpensive way to go. The jewelry is priced according to both the value of the materials in it and the value it has as an antique.

The sizes will usually be on the small side so be sure that you talk to the seller about whether or not the ring is a good candidate for sizing if you have larger fingers than about a size 5 ½. Consider that if a ring has intricate carvings the design may not allow for it to be resized without ruining the pattern.

No one said it would be easy finding an antique Victorian engagement ring but when you do find the exact ring of your dreams there is just nothing else like it.