When we think of romantic jewellery, we often picture a vintage diamond ring or an antique engagement ring. After all, what better way to say, ‘I love you.’, than with a piece of jewellery that has sentimental value attached to it. While it is traditional to give diamond jewellery as a way of showing your affection, it hasn’t always been the case. In fact, the tradition of giving diamond jewellery is less than a hundred years old. Still, the romantic jewellery of choice for many of today’s couples is either a vintage diamond ring or an antique engagement ring.
But what were are some of the more popular tokens of love from throughout history? Let’s take a look and find out:
Romantic Jewellery Through The Ages
Fede Rings- depicting clasped hands, Fede rings are one of the oldest forms of jewellery. These rings date back to Roman times, but they were revived in the twelfth century by Europeans. However, Fede rings were most popular through the eighteenth. The name means ‘hands clasped in faith’, and Fede rings represented love, friendship, or betrothal. Today, the claddagh ring is more commonly seen.
Giardinetti Jewellery- giardinetti is Italian for “little garden” and Giardinetti jewellery is often shaped like a bouquet of flowers in a vase. These vintage diamond rings were very popular during the Georgian era, and given by friends and lovers.
Snake Jewellery- not everyone realises that snake jewellery is a symbol of eternal love. Serpent jewellery dates back to ancient times, yet had a resurgence during the nineteenth century after Queen Victoria received a snake engagement ring from Prince Albert.
Lockets- as popular a gift to show love as a vintage diamond ring or an antique engagement ring, lockets have been worn by women for centuries. Lockets are treasured for their ability to hold images, or a lock of hair, of the wearer’s beloved.
These are just some examples of romantic jewellery through the ages and, just as these still hold their sentimental and monetary value today, so do the beautifully designed and finely crafted vintage diamond rings and antique engagement rings we give today as a symbol of our love for that very special person in our life.
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To learn more about antique engagement rings, contact Friar House and shop a wide selection of beautifully designed vintage diamond rings and antique engagement rings today.
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