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It doesn't get any more perfect than this - a beautiful 1.45 carat old European cut in a classic eight-prong setting of rosy yellow gold. This lovely piece dates to the late Victorian era, c. 1890.
Currently available at Gray & Davis.
Would you say yes?
This Victorian beauty features an amazing moonstone cabochon surrounded by a halo of twinkling old mine cut diamonds. The gems are held in a minimal rosy gold prong setting.
Currently available at Gray & Davis!
Would you say yes?
However you choose to spell it, its hard not to be charmed by the secret messages hidden inside posy rings.
English posy ring c. 1700 in the collections of the British museum. The inscription reads "Love is the bond of peace."
Often exchanged as wedding rings and always as a token of affection, posy rings have been around for a very long time. How long? An ancient Greek ring dating to the 4th century BCE was inscribed "To her who excels not only in virtue and prudence, but also in wisdom."
By the late Renaissance, publishers were printing books of verses (a "posy" is simply a short poem) to be used as inspiration for lovers who needed a bit of help expressing their feelings inside gold rings.
Here are a few of our favorite posies from 17th-century England:
The sight of this deserves a kiss.
In thee a flame in me the same.
To me till death as dear as breath.
We strangely met, and so do many. Now as true as ever, any.
Love him who gave thee this ring of gold ‘Tis he must kiss thee when thou art old
If I think my wife is fair, what need other people care?
This hath no end, my sweetest friend.
Thou art my star, be not irregular.
In thee I find content of mind
The love is true that I.O.U.
My love is fixed I will not range. I like my choice too much to change.
To love entyre is my desyre.
Silence ends strife with man and wife
Below are a few of the fabulous engagement rings of Gray & Davis past. We’re glad these pieces went to good homes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce!
From top to bottom:
- An elegant Edwardian three-diamond, platinum and 18k gold ring
-Classic Victorian three-stone sapphire ring with diamond surround
-Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring with lovely platinum design
-A stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece in aquamarine and yellow gold
- A giant old mine cut diamond cluster ring, c. 1880
- Unique Art Deco engagement ring featuring an antique marquis diamond
- Impressive Colombian emerald with old mine cut diamond surround
- Close-up of hand-engraved detailing on an Edwardian platinum engagement ring
- Late nineteenth-century English ring with gold scrollwork and a fabulous center sapphire
The heart is an ancient symbol of unknown origins, and has been incorporated in romantic jewels since at least the middle ages.
Gold Brooch c. 1400, probably France or England. Victoria & Albert Museum.
This golden pin would have been used to fasten a garment, and the back is engraved in French with the message "Ourselves and all things, at your whim."
Add a little crook to the heart's point and it becomes a "witch's heart."
Silver and garnet brooch c. 1770. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
These neat little tokens first appear in the British isles in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Originally they were used as protective amulets, but later on were gifted to both men and women as symbols of love.
A crowned heart denotes loyalty.
Silver gilt scent case, Germany, 18th Century. Victoria & Albert Museum.
Place the crowned heart in a pair of hands for "friendship", and you have Claddagh ring.
Diamond, silver & enameled gold ring c. 1706. Victoria & Albert Museum.
Claddagh rings are named after an old Irish fishing village. They are a variation of the ancient fede rings that take the form of two clasped hands. This lovely jewel was used as a wedding ring, and is inscribed "Dudley and Katherine united 26. March 1706."
Two hearts joined together? That's a symbol that speaks for itself.
Moonstone, pearl and gold double-heart bangle, 19th century. Currently available at Gray & Davis.
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Gray & Davis carries a unique selection of antique & vintage engagement rings and collector's jewelry from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. We are also available for custom work and repairs.
Gray & Davis | 234 West 13th Street, New York, NY, 10011, United States