Engagement Rings & Wedding Rings

"The proposition being made and accepted, a ring, called 'the engagement ring,' usually containing a single diamond, of the highest value to which the generosity and means of the giver are capable of attaining, is presented by
the successful suitor to his betrothed, who wears it ostentatiously on the ring-finger of her right hand."

from: "The Bazar Book of Decorum.
The care of the Person, Manners, Etiquette, and Ceremonials." 1873

Victorian Cluster Engagement Rings:

Because of the scarcity of diamonds, early Victorian cluster rings used old cut or rose cut diamonds. Occasionally these rings were set with colored stones with smaller surrounding diamonds. After 1870, with the opening of the diamond mines in South Africa , these rings became widely available and often were used as engagement rings.

Victorian Romantic Rings: During the Victorian era romantic jewelry included rings with the words "Regard" or "Dearest", spelled out in colored stones such as emerald, amethyst, rube and topaz. These were popular as engagement rings.

Victorian Half-Hoop Rings: With the availability of diamonds after 1870, Victorian half-hoop rings with diamonds were popular. These rings were made with open backs and were often given as engagement rings.

Victorian Snake Rings: The snake ring, set with diamonds, rubies or sapphires, were popular during the Victorian era. The serpent symbol represented eternity. Queen Victoria wore her own snake wedding ring, in recognition of her love for Albert. Each snake, symbolizing the bride and groom, intertwine and demonstrate the mutual communion of love.

More Information:

Victorian Wedding Center

Antique Prints of Victorian Jewelry, 1851

Engagement Rings & Wedding Rings

Diamond Ring Advertisement, 1890