Rings dont just sparkle, they speak. Especially in centuries past, rings were rich with symbolism, meaning, and personal sentiment. They were tokens of love, loss, loyalty, and luck. They whispered secret messages between lovers, offered comfort in mourning, or expressed devotion to family and friends.
Let’s take a journey through time with some of the most beautiful and meaningful rings in our collection, exploring the fascinating history and sentiment behind each one and just who might have worn them.
Victorian Trefoil Clover Ring (1900): Luck, Faith, Hope & Love
In Victorian England, the “Language of Flowers” and symbolic motifs were incredibly popular. The clover, especially with three or four leaves was considered a powerful good luck charm, often associated with faith, hope, and love (with a fourth leaf bringing luck). The Victorians adored layers of meaning in their jewellery.
Who Wore It:
This ring would likely have been given as a gift of affection or friendship, or possibly even as a sentimental keepsake from a loved one. Its small, wearable size and warm symbolism made it perfect for everyday wear by a woman of gentle sentiment and style.
Special Details:
Made in 18ct gold and hallmarked for Chester in 1900, this ring not only carries its symbolic message, but is beautifully adorned with carved detail around the band - perhaps suggesting a handcrafted gift, or something chosen for its uniqueness.
The Grand Tour “Days of the Week” Ring (c.1820): A Mythical Souvenir
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the “Grand Tour” was a rite of passage for young aristocrats and wealthy Britons. Travelling through Europe, especially Italy, they collected art, artefacts and jewellery as proof of culture and sophistication.
This ring was made in Naples, carved from Mount Vesuvius lava and coral, and features busts of classical gods/goddesses representing each day of the week.
Who Wore It:
These were likely worn by educated women or men of means, as souvenirs of their travels. They weren’t just decorative, they were conversation starters and cultural statements. Owning one showed worldliness, taste, and refinement.
Special Details:
Each deity and colour was carefully selected: Apollo in coral for Sunday, Diana in grey for Monday, and so on. The craftsmanship reflects both ancient themes and early 19th-century neoclassical fashion.
Hidden Love & Secret Messages: The Keeper Rings of the Victorian Era
Hidden compartments, names engraved under hinged lids, and protective motifs like horseshoes and pearls made these rings more than accessories - they were private keepsakes, exchanged by lovers or family members during times of separation, mourning, or personal milestones.
Who Wore It:
These Victorian Keeper Rings were traditionally gifted to signify that the wearer was quite literally “a keeper.” Sometimes they were worn stacked alongside an engagement ring to keep it in place; other times, they were exchanged as heartfelt tokens of affection or remembrance.
Special Details:
Both of these rings reflect a uniquely Victorian blend of romance, sentiment, and subtlety. Hidden compartments and engraved names weren't just novelties - they were reflections of real emotions, lived experiences, and private stories that time almost forgot. Today, antique keeper rings like these resonate with collectors and romantics alike. They make unforgettable engagement rings, anniversary gifts, or personal heirlooms.
Mourning Ring with Hair Locket (1828): Memory and Mourning
Mourning jewellery became widespread after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, but the practice began earlier. In the Georgian and early Victorian eras, it was common to commission rings to commemorate the death of a loved one. Pearls symbolised tears, and a lock of hair was often enclosed in a locket as a token of remembrance.
Who Wore It:
Family members - especially widows or children - would wear such a ring daily. It was both a tribute and a comfort. The engraving for “Dorothy Hensman” suggests she was deeply loved and remembered with care.
Special Details:
This ring features a pearl halo, a locket of hair, and is engraved with Dorothy’s name, death date, and age - a portable gravestone, worn with dignity and memory.
Art Deco “Day and Night” Ring (c.1920): Two Sides of Glamour
In the 1920s, the world was changing fast. Jewellery reflected the jazz, the modern woman, and the thrill of change. This innovative design lets the wearer flip between Sapphires and Rubies, depending on the time of day or their mood.
Who Wore It:
This ring would have appealed to a fashion-forward woman in the Roaring Twenties, someone who appreciated clever design and contemporary style. Deco jewellery was all about form, function, and flair.
Special Details:
The hidden engraving beneath each band is typical of the era’s attention to detail-beauty inside and out. This wasn’t just jewellery, it was self-expression.
Turquoise & Pearl “Forget-Me-Not” Ring: A Floral Love Letter
The Forget-Me-Not flower symbolised everlasting love and friendship, and was extremely popular in Victorian jewellery. Turquoise was believed to offer protection, while pearls added purity and grace.
Who Wore It:
Often exchanged between lovers, or gifted to dear friends and family, this ring would have been worn daily as a token of affection - possibly even as a mourning piece.
Special Details:
The ring’s gentle floral shape and sentimental gemstone choice make it a subtle yet powerful message of loyalty and remembrance.
Victorian Buckle Ring (1898): Love Locked in Gold
In Victorian symbolism, the buckle represented binding love, strength, and fidelity. It echoed the idea of two things fitting perfectly together, a ring often given between lovers or close friends.
Who Wore It:
Typically given by men to their sweethearts or vice versa, buckle rings were worn as promises of devotion, sometimes even as engagement rings. They also held symbolic value for mothers and daughters or as memorial jewellery.
Special Details:
This particular ring, dated to Chester in 1898, features two dainty old cut diamonds—adding a glittering reminder of eternity.
Acrostic Rings: Hidden Words of the Heart
An acrostic ring spells out a word using the first letter of each gemstone. This trend started in the Georgian era, but flourished in Victorian England, when subtle romantic messages were all the rage.
Who Wore It:
Lovers exchanged these as secret declarations, often as engagement rings or romantic gifts. The messages could be sweet (“ADORE,” “DEAREST”) or respectful (“REGARDS”).
Special Details:
ADORE: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
DEAREST: Diamond (paste), Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz
REGARDS: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond (or paste), Sapphire
Wearing one was like keeping a love letter on your finger - private, meaningful, and filled with Victorian charm.
Mizpah Ring: May God Watch Over You
The term Mizpah comes from the Bible and means “May the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” It became popular in the mid-to-late Victorian era, particularly during times of separation - war, travel, emigration.
Who Wore It:
Often exchanged between lovers, friends, or family members, Mizpah jewellery symbolised protection and divine care. These rings were deeply personal, worn close to the heart.
Special Details:
Mizpah rings were commonly given before partings, and remained a touching keepsake of faith and connection across distances.
Which ring speaks to you?
Browse our full collection here to discover the secrets each piece holds. From encoded gemstone messages to hidden compartments and mythological motifs, these rings reflect the values, beliefs, and heartfelt emotions of the people who wore them. When you wear one of these rings, you’re not just adding to your collection - you’re becoming the next chapter in a story that began generations ago.
