Rings
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.
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A Three-stone Diamond Ring
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A Late Victorian Sapphire And Diamond Five-stone Ring
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An Edwardian Demantoid Garnet And Diamond Ring
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A Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bombé Ring
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A Cushion-cut Diamond Cluster Ring
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A Diamond Three Stone Ring
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An Old Mine-cut Diamond Single Stone Ring
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A Diamond Half Eternity Ring
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A Roman Carnelian Intaglio And Yellow Gold Ring
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An Edwardian Ruby And Diamond Ring
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A Victorian ruby and diamond five stone ring
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A Bouton Shaped Pearl Ring With Diamond Set Shoulders
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A Cabochon Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Ring
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A Georgian hardstone intaglio ring
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A Natural Pearl And Diamond Cluster Ring
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An Early 20th Century Emerald, Ruby And Diamond Ring
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A Late Georgian Emerald And Diamond Ring
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An Early 20th Century Three Stone Emerald And Diamond Ring
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An Emerald And Diamond Double-cluster Ring
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A Sapphire And Diamond Three-stone Ring
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A Single Stone Diamond Ring
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A Three Stone Sapphire And Diamond Ring
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A Victorian Garnet And Emerald Ring
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A Victorian Style Five Stone Ruby Ring
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A Diamond And Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
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A Mid-20th Century Emerald And Diamond Dress Ring
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A sapphire and diamond plaque ring
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A mid-20th century emerald and diamond cluster ring
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A Three-stone Diamond Victorian Style Ring
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A Late Victorian Sapphire And Diamond Five-stone Ring
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A Roman Onyx Intaglio And Yellow Gold Ring
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A Victorian Yellow Gold Serpent Ring
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A French Art Deco ruby and diamond ring
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A Victorian ruby and diamond ring
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A Late Victorian Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond Ring
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A Victorian Pearl And Emerald Mourning Ring
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A Late Victorian Five-stone Diamond Ring
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A Late Victorian Diamond Double Snake Gold Ring
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A Victorian Sapphire And Diamond Ring
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An Art Deco emerald and diamond plaque ring