Antique Rings

Antique rings are an exquisite piece of jewellery. Depending on your style preference, you may wish to choose a simplistic design for a subtle look or an eye-catching statement ring. An effective piece of jewellery, rings often hold hidden meaning for those who wear them, whether they are a gift from a loved one or a memory of an occasion. An antique ring is the perfect gift on special events, such as birthdays, a constant visual reminder of a memorable time in ones life. 

History of the Ring

The tradition of giving and receiving rings can be traced back thousands of years, there is evidence of rings in Ancient Greek and Rome and also Ancient Egypt; these rings involved complex designs with scarab detail. Rings have been a very popular item of jewellery throughout the ages and have become symbolic of many traditions, the most obvious being that of marriage. 

Historically, some held the belief that rings were influenced by good or bad spirits, Joan of Arc referred to rings with a magical reference, many believed that gemstones set within rings held protective powers if worn on ones finger. Rings were a popular item of jewellery during Roman times, with amber and jasper rings being particularly favoured. During the Middle Ages rings may have been engraved with pictures of saints, whereas by the Elizabethan times, a signet/seal ring took the place of a males signature.

By the 18th C rings were worn purely for their attractiveness and appearance, they became firmly established in society as a must have item of jewellery.

Styles of Antique Rings

There has always been a romantic history revolved around rings, and one cannot help but reminisce on the purpose of its original purchase when it comes to an antique ring, who was the previous wearer, whether it was a gift from a lover or handed down through generations, each antique ring holds its own unique history.

Georgian Rings

These are the oldest antique rings you are likely to find, older antique rings are extremely rare and most likely to be exhibited in museums. It is difficult to precisely date antique rings from this period, as they were all handmade. There is a wide array of different quality Georgian rings, with gold rings from this period being particularly valuable, as 22ct gold was used, although this type of gold is very soft so most likely will show signs of damage. Georgian gemstone rings are an attractive choice, with rose cut diamonds, coral, garnet and pearls popular.

Victorian Rings

Early Victorian rings are very desirable as they were handmade, mid to late Victorian rings are likely to have been mass produced as they were made previous to the Industrial Revolution. Victorian rings that lack a mark will have been made prior to 1856. Victorian silver rings are most likely from the mid to late Victorian period as silver was more affordable than gold, so more of these rings were in circulation.

Victorian mourning rings with onyx and jet stones were made after the death of Prince Albert, it is possible to find very large gemstone rings from this period of time. Victorian engagement rings typically used one’s birthstone in the setting of the engagement ring, with romantic symbols intertwined in their design. In the later Victorian years the solitaire ring increased in popularity. 

Other antique rings worthy of note is the antique suffragette ring, this ring was typically purple, green and white. The purple was a royal colour and thought to symbolise the blood that flows through the suffragettes, white signified purity and green-hope. A suffragette ring was a political statement under the veil of a very feminine piece of jewellery.

Nice antique rings also include eternity rings, an emerald, sapphire or amethyst ring with diamonds encrusted around the edge. An Art Deco emerald cut diamond ring is very elegant and can be very striking, as can cluster and cocktail rings. Whatever antique ring you choose it is certain to be very personal in comparison to the rings produced on a mass scale market today.