Estate Jewelry Rings for Sale Online
At Dover Jewelry & Antiques we sell Vintage Jewelry and Antique Jewelry online plus Estate Jewelry such as estate jewelry rings watches, bracelets, and necklaces that are heirloom quality.
Estate Jewelry Rings, make distinctive gifts and for those who appreciate fine quality our collection of estate jewelry diamond rings includes Estate Eternity Rings, band rings and cocktail rings.
The Gimmel, the Serpent and Maximillian
Estate Jewelry Engagement Rings are true treasures and a part of the fascinating tapestry of ring giving traditions for engaged couples. Here’s a brief look into the past, at some of the very first estate jewelry rings.
The Gimmel
For centuries the “Gimmel” was known as the betrothal ring; a symbol of the promise of a future together. The Gimmel is a rare and unique find for estate jewelry rings but occasionally they do surface.
One part of the Gimmel ring was worn by the bride-to-be, one by the soon to be groom and the third by a witness to the promise. On the wedding day, the three interlocking hoops were re-united and became the bride’s wedding ring.
A common design for this ring featured a small diamond set inside a heart encircled by a pair of clasped hands. The Italian “mani in fede” or hands clasped in faith was a popular symbol of love in the 1600’s.
The Serpent
Like many estate jewelry rings of today, in the 18th and 19th century, colored stones were a popular choice for engagement rings. In fact, some early estate jewelry rings had several stones.
A certain word or theme was chosen, which would be “spelled out” by using the first letter of a gem. For example, “dearest” would mean a ring would include a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, epidote, sapphire and turquoise.
Another surprising symbol that was used in bracelets and estate rings was the serpent. Snakes were considered symbols of eternal love.
Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria a serpent engagement ring that was designed with emeralds, the Queen’s birthstone.
Maximillian and Mary
It is believed that Maximillian of Austria started the tradition of diamond engagement rings. He gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
Today, it’s customary to wear engagement and wedding rings on the left ring finger. This ancient tradition began in Greece because the vena amoris, the vein located in that finger is said to lead directly to the heart.
Ask Us About Estate Jewelry Rings
At Dover Jewelry, you’ll find a great selection of estate jewelry rings for sale including estate diamond rings and eternity rings. But we don’t just sell estate jewelry, we buy Estate and Antique Jewelry as well.
For more information about buying or selling estate jewelry rings and other quality wholesale antique and estate jewelry please call toll free at 1- 877-777-6111 or fill out Estate Jewelry Information form.
