16th century Posy ring
Not only used for marriage. They are also given to significant others as a sign of love. The inscription on this posy ring reads “Ung Temps Viandra” (the time will come), “Mon Desir Me Vaille” (longing keeps me awake) and can be given to a woman who eventually a man wants to get married. This ring is believed to have been made between 1500 and 1530.
16th – 17th centuries
This gold ring is believed to have been made in England between 1500-1600. The engraving inside the ring reads “I AM YOURS KS” and it is currently kept by the V&A Museum in England.
17th century
This ornate puzzle wedding ring is another fede (fingered) ring consisting of two separate parts. It is believed to have been made in Germany in the 17th century. The gold ring features three diamonds covered with foil and brown, green and white enamel.
18th century
Below you can see a beautifully engraved posy ring made in the 1700s by a jeweler named Joseph Collier in Plymouth, England. The outside of the band is covered in ornate flowers and foliage, while the inside reads “I love and enjoy my choice”. The same inscription can be found on another ring in the same museum collection, so it is believed that this ring could have been a wedding ring and not just a gift from this lover to others.
18th century
The earliest references to rings used in Jewish weddings are found in the 14th century and many of these examples are similar to the house rings shown above. Below you can see a wedding ring believed to date from the 18th century in Central or Eastern Europe. It has 6 filigree bosses on the outside of the ring and on one side is engraved with the words “Mazel Tov” in Hebrew.
19th century
During the Victorian era, engagement rings or engagement rings were decorated with more precious stones. Colorful precious or semi-precious stones were more widely used during this time. Less common diamonds, such as this particular Victorian diamond ring made in St. Petersburg in 1851. This is a rare Russian engagement ring decorated with cobalt blue enamel and two cushion-cut diamonds that compliment the larger diamond in its center.
Early 20th century
This exquisite 20th century wedding ring was made between 1904-1908 in St. Petersburg. It is a Russian wedding ring made of gold and diamonds designed specifically for men. The engraving of this ring makes it especially unique and demonstrates the craftsman’s meticulous attention to detail.
Late 20th century
This beautiful Ceylon Sapphire engagement ring once belonged to Princess Diana and it was given to Kate Middleton as an engagement ring by Prince William in 2010. The oval sapphire ring includes a 12 carat Ceylon Sapphire Beautifully surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. It was created by Garrard & Co. in London and was chosen by Princess Diana as her engagement ring in 1981.
