Rings
-
A Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Ring
-
An Emerald-cut Diamond Ring
-
A Ruby And Diamond Nine Stone Ring
-
A Tiffany Round Brilliant-cut Single Stone Diamond Ring
-
A Single Stone Solitaire Diamond Ring
-
A Diamond Cluster Ring
-
An Enamel And Diamond Skull Ring
-
An Enamel And Diamond Skull Ring
-
A Ruby And Diamond Half Eternity Ring
-
A Natural Pearl And Diamond Cluster Ring
-
A Diamond Cluster Ring
-
A Diamond Hexagonal Cluster Ring
-
A Cultured Pearl And Diamond Ring
-
A Cartier Trinity Ring
-
A Silver & Gold Darcey Bussell Ring, By Lucie Heskett-brem
-
A Pink And White Diamond Pave Ring
-
A Ruby, Diamond And Sapphire Three Row Ring
-
A Diamond-set Half Eternity Ring
-
A Single Stone Diamond Solitaire Ring
-
A Diamond-set Wedding Ring
-
A 18ct Yellow Gold Wedding Band
-
An 18ct Yellow Gold Signet Ring
-
A Full Eternity Ring
-
A Single Stone Solitaire Diamond Ring
-
An Important Single Diamond Ring
-
A Diamond And Ruby Ring
-
A Sapphire And Diamond Ring
-
A Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
-
A Seven Stone Diamond And Emerald Ring
-
A Ruby And Diamond Ring
-
A Single Stone Diamond Ring
-
A Mid 20th Century Pink Sapphire And Diamond Ring
-
A Sapphire And Diamond Three Stone Ring
-
A Single Stone Diamond Ring
-
An Enamelled Diamond Butterfly Ring By Ilgiz F
-
A Three Stone Diamond Ring
-
A Burdock Flower Ring By Ilgiz F
-
A dragonfly enamel and diamond ring by Ilgiz F
-
A Diamond Cluster Ring
-
A Yellow Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Rings have been traced back to the Ancient Sumerian civilization of the 3rd millennium B.C. and have been continuously worn throughout history by all civilizations. In Ancient and Biblical times, rings symbolised a transfer of power. Signet rings were used to authenticate documents in a time when literacy was low. The first known types of wedding rings were fede rings, or rings depicting two clasped hands. Rings became an ancient part of marriage in the Medieval period for both Christian and Jewish communities. The fourth finger of the hand was chosen to be the ideal spot for the wedding ring because of the vein in that finger that flows directly to the heart. Posey rings were another type of wedding ring, usually in the form of a simple gold band with a romantic message inscribed inside the band. Memento Mori (reminder of death) rings became popular in the 15th century. Throughout history, rings have had both a functional and sentimental purpose. There is no other type of jewellery that is quite as romantic or long lasting as the ring: as other forms of jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets fell in and out of fashion throughout the ages, rings were consistently worn by both men and women. A trip to the National Gallery will reveal that rings and rings alone are the only kind of jewellery seen in most every portrait from every time period.
Bentley & Skinner are pleased to stock a variety of superb rings. In addition to our collection of rings for wear on special occasions, we have an exceptional collection of antique wedding and engagement rings, particularly from the Victorian era and Edwardian era.
Signet rings are a type of functional ring that have been used since ancient times to authenticate a document. They were originally used to stamp wax seals on important paperwork. Often worn on the pinkie finger, modern signet rings often have family heraldic crests engraved on the ring face. Although they are rarely used today for wax seals, the family crest ring has become a symbol of ancestral pride. Signet rings have traditionally been worn by men, but in recent decades, their popularity has expanded to women’s fingers as well. Bentley & Skinner offer a collection of gold signet rings and we are happy to assist you in either researching your own family crest or commissioning an original from the College of Arms.