Monday, February 4, 2013

Grand Victorian Era Engagement Rings (1861-1885)

Etruscan Style Wedding Band
Image Copyright 2012 EraGem Jewelry
Image used with permission.

The Grand Victorian Era, also known as the Mid Victorian period, was marked by greater wealth among the upper and middle classes. This allowed more young men and women to travel abroad, which in turn led to more exotic influences in design.

While on these “Grand Tours,” the wealthy brought all manner of trinkets home from places like Italy, Greece, and Egypt. As the years marched on, the styles and techniques of these exotic treasures, many of which were various jewels, were then emulated by leading jewelers of the day.

Handcrafted by artisans in London, Etruscan revival designs featured ornate engravings, subtle geometric lines, and alluring gemstone combinations including pearls, coral, shell, and turquoise.

Intricate filigree and scrollwork settings began to emerge, heavily influenced by travel to Greece, and the newly discovered tombs of Egypt inspired gemstone-studded wedding bands fashioned into curling serpents.

Grand Victorian Era engagement rings are best characterized by their silver, rose gold, or 18k gold settings designed with more sophistication and less ornamentation than in the 1840s and 1850s. The most popular style of wedding bands were the three-stone or five-stone half hoop rings made of 18k yellow gold.

These elegant rings featured blue sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and/or diamonds. Popular combinations included three-stone rings with a colored center stone flanked on either side by diamonds, a five-stone ring featuring a colored stones (typically ruby or blue sapphire) alternating with old-cut diamonds, further accented by tiny diamond points.


BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. “American Jewelry: An Historical Timeline.” Antique Jewelry University, accessed January 13, 2013. www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/American_Jewelry:_Part_III.
2. “Antique and Vintage Designs.” Rings with Love, accessed January 13, 2013. www.ringswithlove.com/antique-vintage-designs.
3. “Antique Engagement Ring Settings.” Engagement Ring Settings, accessed January 13, 2013. www.engagement-rings-settings.com/antique-engagement-rings.htm.
4. Bradley, Tara. “Victorian Engagement Rings (1830s-1900s).” Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. Accessed January 13, 2013. www.destinationweddingmag.com/gallery/victorian-engagement-rings-1830s-1900s.
5. “Elegance of a Victorian Wedding, Part II, The.” Hudson Valley Weddings, accessed January 15, 2013. http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/victorian2.htm.
6. Fragoso, Lilyanna. “Engagement Rings in the 18th and 19th Centuries.” eHow. Accessed January 13, 2013. www.ehow.co.uk/info_7911740_engagement-rings-18th-19th-centuries.html.
7. Harlow, George E. The Nature of Diamonds. Cambridge Cambridge University Press, 1998.
8. “History of Jewelry, The.” Brilliance Jewelry, accessed January 13, 2013. www.brilliancejewelry.com/history/index.html.
9. “History of Wedding Rings, The.” Everything Wedding Rings, accessed January 13, 2013. http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/history-of-wedding-rings.html.
10. “Keeper Ring.” Antique Jewelry University, accessed January 13, 2013. www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Keeper_Ring.
11. “Promise Ring Meaning.” Antique Jewelry Investor, accessed January 13, 2013. www.antique-jewelry-investor.com/promise-ring-meaning.html.
12. Schoening, Lisa and Kurt Rothner. “Why a Vintage Engagement Ring?” Excalibur Jewelry, May 5, 2012. Accessed January 13, 2013. www.excaliburjewelry.com/why-a-vintage-engagement-ring.
13. “Victorian Wedding Ring and Victorian Engagement Rings, The.” Everything Wedding Rings, accessed January 13, 2013. www.everything-wedding-rings.com/victorian-wedding-rings.html.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

55 comments:

  1. Interesting info on these wedding rings. I’m planning to tie the knot with my boyfriend in a few months at one of the famous Seattle Wedding venues. We have been making arrangements for the wedding with our families. We’re going for some wedding shopping tomorrow and will hopefully be selecting our wedding bands as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Enjoy one-stop shopping with our selection of jewelry findings, chain, Swarovski crystals, charms & pendants, beads, gemstone beads & pearls, cord, wire & sheet, enameling supplies,displays, tools, and more. From base-metal jewelry supplies to beading wire, leather, sterling silver, gift boxes and much more, you'll find essential basics for jewelry making and crafts, plus innovative new products and Rings & Things exclusives! Not only that, you'll get personalized service from a small company with community and global consciousness.  silver-skull-rings https://www.bikerringshop.com/blogs/jewelry/the-mystery-of-silver-skull-rings

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great article. I learned lot of things. Thanks for sharing.
    diamond jewelry stores

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's a nice article, Which you have shared here about the Grand Victorian Era Engagement Rings. Your article is very informative and useful to know more about the Grand Victorian Era Diamond Engagement Rings. I am thankful to you for sharing this article here.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This information is meaningful and magnificent which you have shared here about the Grand Victorian Era Engagement Rings. I am impressed by the details that you have shared in this post and It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here. Diamond Engagement Rings for Sale

    ReplyDelete
  6. When you are provided a proposal of marriage and you say “yes,” it is usually followed by an offer of an engagement ring. The ring is a conditional gift. diamondrings.co.za providing the best engagement ring. If you want to buy a new collection of engagement ring you can visit their site, they have a vast collection of engagement ring. Engagement rings South Africa

    ReplyDelete
  7. Finding a wedding band that your sweetheart will all consuming, instant adoration is both one of the least demanding and the most troublesome activities. In any case, having a precious stone ring is the most secure approach since there are not many ladies that won't welcome one on their finger. Wedding rings South Africa

    ReplyDelete
  8. To get a beautifully designed ring on a considerably smaller budget is not extremely difficult, but it will take some effort to get exactly what you have been looking for without any compromise.Wedding rings

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here. engagement rings scottsdale az

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. its was really valuable. thanks a lot. jewelry stores dallas

    ReplyDelete
  11. Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.Diamond wedding rings

    ReplyDelete
  12. Joan Collins got a heart-formed jewel ring in a nineteenth-century setting from spouse Percy Gibson.
    Diamond wedding rings

    ReplyDelete
  13. quite nice say. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to publicize that i've without a doubt enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. After every sick be subscribing on your feed and that i dream you write inside the same manner as again quickly! Diamond rings

    ReplyDelete
  14. I’d have to examine with you here. Which isn’t one thing I often do! I take pleasure in studying a submit that can make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment! visit the site

    ReplyDelete
  15. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. how to tell how many carats a diamond is

    ReplyDelete
  16. I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... personalized home decor

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. engagement ring scottsdale

    ReplyDelete
  18. howdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work. gemstone engagement rings

    ReplyDelete
  19. The diameter of a round diamond is the distance from one girdle edge to the opposite girdle edge, straight through the center. Ideal Crown Angle

    ReplyDelete
  20. The most popular diamond shapes is the round brilliant cut, which represents more than two thirds of all diamonds sold.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks jewels for me

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. amethyst rings

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers. garnet engagement ring

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers garnet engagement ring

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is why it is far better that you simply applicable investigating well before building. You can actually design more effective share in such a manner. Engagement rings

    ReplyDelete
  26. Super site! I am Loving it!! Will return once more, Im taking your food likewise, Thanks. online rings

    ReplyDelete
  27. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. Scottsdale diamonds

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. pawn shop phoenix

    ReplyDelete
  29. Finding out about these elements investing energy in the commercial center looking, tuning in, and posing inquiries before making the buy will set you up to be an astute purchaser bound to get what you truly need, at a reasonable cost. TheGreatWar

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. Gemstone Rings

    ReplyDelete
  31. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to offer something back and help others like you aided me. Amethyst Rings

    ReplyDelete
  32. Supposedly, individuals have been wearing Jewelry for, well, as long as there have been individuals! So for what reason do they do it? There are really a few reasons. Which is most likely why it's so all inclusive. ear cuff

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.pearl rings

    ReplyDelete
  34. You delivered such an impressive piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain information. Thanks for sharing such information with us due to which my several concepts have been cleared. Engagement rings

    ReplyDelete
  35. I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. as we provide Diamond Rings Auckland at cheap rate. for more info visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. instagram followers app free trial

    ReplyDelete
  37. I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site. Dominoqq online

    ReplyDelete
  38. I really enjoy your web’s topic. Very creative and friendly for users. Definitely bookmark this and follow it every day. thanks for these information about engagements ring.if you are looking for best handmade cross then ahandmadecross.com is a good place.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. marcasite earrings thai

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep here: with new updates. Its was really valuable. Thanks a lot.
    סינון שמן

    ReplyDelete
  41. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! 結婚指輪

    ReplyDelete
  42. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... マリッジリング

    ReplyDelete
  43. I always prefer to such type of blog which provides some latest info engagement ring scottsdale

    ReplyDelete
  44. Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff...I think you've made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work. silver charms and beads

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You absolutely have wonderful stories. Cheers for sharing with us your blog. jewelry az

    ReplyDelete
  46. I got what you intend, thanks for putting up. Woh I am glad to find this website through google. buy diamond jewelry online

    ReplyDelete
  47. I got what you intend, thanks for putting up. Woh I am glad to find this website through google.Viking Rings

    ReplyDelete
  48. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - Mapyro
    Discover a map 익산 출장샵 showing Borgata Hotel 고양 출장샵 Casino & 의왕 출장마사지 Spa in 포항 출장안마 Atlantic City, NJ. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa 양주 출장마사지 has one hotel in the property.

    ReplyDelete
  49. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. skull rings

    ReplyDelete
  50. Overpowering beat! Right when you change your page, I would be astoundingly drawn in since I see that what you bring will be especially monster and overpowering which will help me a ton investigating you truly need an enduringly satisfied second, by visit our site now.
    Delhi Girl Service Live News Update

    ReplyDelete
  51. Super site! I am Loving it!! Will return once more. I'm taking your sustenance in addition. Thanks
    skin care

    ReplyDelete
  52. Este es un blog inteligente. Lo digo en serio. Tienes tanto conocimiento sobre este tema, y tanta pasión. También sabes cómo hacer que la gente se una detrás de él. ¡¡Gracias!! acompañantes Capital Federal

    ReplyDelete