The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. The most collectible engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.Įngagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings - well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Italian luxury jewelry house Bvlgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal.
Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
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