Victorian 15ct Smoky Quartz Shield Ring

This Victorian circa 1840 shield ring is today a definite unisex ring, but in its day, this was a mens ring. What we absolutely love about this ring is the skilfully cut smoky quartz shield as well as the beautifully hand engraved shoulders. This ring is made in 15ct yellow gold and it cannot be resized, so it’s worth coming into the boutique to give it a try; if it fits, it’s meant for you!

Circa: 1840
Design Period: Victorian
Gemstones: Smoky Quartz
Cut: Shield
Material: 15ct Yellow Gold
Hand Engraved

Victorian Period (1837 - 1901):
The Victorian Period defined by none other than Queen Victoria herself, had three stages - the Romantic, the Grand and the Aesthetic.

It was during the Romantic era that Queen Victoria married her Prince, Albert. Sentimental motifs such as; hearts, lover’s knots, flowers, bows, crescent moons and particularly serpents (which was subject to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which represented enduring love) became extremely popular in jewellery design. Cameos, Enamelling and the use of bright coloured gemstones such as; garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and diamonds gave way to the creation of jewellery that was beginning to speak a symbolic language of its own.  

The Grand era was a sombre period which saw Queen Victoria mourning the death of her beloved husband Albert. It encompassed 20 years during which time Victoria would only wear black and mourning jewellery. As a result the Whitby Jet industry flourished and onyx and deeper coloured garnets rose in popularity. Rings, lockets and brooches were commissioned with compartments for a lock of a loved one’s hair and were often engraved with the person’s name, age and date of death.  

The Aesthetic era saw a return to the light-heartedness of the Romantic Era. The discoveries being made through archaeology led to an Etruscan Revival with Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences becoming apparent in jewellery design as well as symbols of good luck and fortune.