| Queen Victoria reigned over Great Britain from 1836 | | | | as the offered a unique alternative to other types of |
| to 1901 and it is often believed that it was her love | | | | Victorian jewellery and used many precious stones. |
| and affection for her husband and children that | | | | Snake Head Rings: Victorian society believed strongly |
| inspired the romantic and sentimental era of Victorian | | | | in the romanticism of the snake and no-one was |
| jewellery. It was a time of hugely contrasting classes, | | | | more responsible for this popularization than Queen |
| social responsibility and dictating etiquette and | | | | Victoria herself who had two snake head rings made |
| manners which was reflected in the era's jewellery | | | | - one as an engagement ring and one as a wedding |
| production. | | | | ring. The image of a snake's tail held in its mouth is |
| Queen Victoria, and therefore Victorian jewellery, | | | | meant to represent the external cycle of life and |
| popularized mourning jewellery, jewellery that signified | | | | eternal love. |
| a social status and jewellery that signified emotions | | | | Mourning Jewellery: The death of Queen Victoria's |
| during a time stifled love and strict courtship rules. | | | | husband Prince Albert saw a rise in the adornment of |
| Some of the most popular pieces of Victorian | | | | mourning jewellery, which was worn to signify either |
| jewellery include: | | | | a sad or happy event. After the Prince's death |
| Forget Me Not Rings: identifiable by two hands | | | | Queen Victoria would only receive visitors who wore |
| holding a flower or heart these Victorian inspired rings | | | | mourning jewellery that reflected a true sense of |
| were traditionally given my husbands or boyfriends to | | | | grief or loss. Victorian mourning jewellery can be quite |
| their beloved in order to keep them in their thoughts. | | | | elaborate and many pieces include images of lost |
| DEAREST Rings: Diamonds, Emeralds, Amethysts, | | | | ones and locks of hair. |
| Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires and Topaz make up the | | | | So if you're after a truly royal inspired piece of |
| name and the design of a DEAREST ring. DEAREST | | | | antique jewellery then a piece of Victorian Jewellery |
| rings were popular during the romantic Victorian era | | | | is for you. |