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.

Vintage 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.

Vintage 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.

Vintage 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.