FEATURES ARCHIVE

As wedding season fast approaches and a flurry of proposals and men on bended knee pervade the thoughts of men and women alike, now is the perfect time to present a selection of beautiful engagement rings.

When in Rome…
In Roman times the forerunner of today’s engagement ring was a simple iron hoop, a symbol of the cycle of life and of eternity as a public pledge that the marriage contract would be honoured. Gold was introduced in the second century AD but it was not until the 15th century that diamond and gem-set rings were given as symbols of conjugal faithfulness.

Decisions Decisions…
Signed pieces including Bulgari and Cartier are among this treasuretrove of precious stones, alongside eye-catching antique pieces and unusual and striking styles. Step out of the mould and opt for a beautiful sapphire, ruby or emerald stone with which to pop the question, as some celebrity couples have been showcasing recently! Alternatively, present your intended with a multiple stone ring to symbolise the past, present and future of your lives together. The solitaire diamond ring, on the other hand, is enduring in its style and elegance and will never fail to elicit the right response – ‘Yes!’

An Exceptional Find
Anglo Saxon jewellery rarely comes onto the market, so to be able to offer for auction a mid-9th century gold ring is indeed a unique occurrence. The ring was part of a group lot of old coins, jewels and other items of precious and semi-precious metals purchased in Cambridge in the early 1980s. Of lobed quatrefoil design, each of the four panels is decorated with a stylised creature, including what appear to be a hare or rabbit, bird of prey, a swan and a dog. At the centre there is a flowerhead with eight petals, the decoration and lettering would have stood out from the now faded niëllo (metallic inlay) background. This is an infrequent opportunity to own a piece of British history.