The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitejewellery With an emerald head - her birth - stone - and ruby eyes, QueenVictoria was so fond of the snake ring, it is believed she was buried with it. She also loved sapphires and received many gift sets with regal blue stones, including a brooch that Queen Eliza- beth II still wears today, from Prince Albert. The brand says their favour - ite Victorian piece is the beautifully carved half hoop rings with three gemstones representing the past, present and future and Queen Vic- toria and Prince Albert’s eternal love. Annie Diamond Victorian Three Stone Ring with an 18-carat tapered gold band gently domed on the top is a unique alternative to the classic solitaire engagement ring. It is perfect for those looking for something a little less traditional to symbolise the love they share with their partner. “This style is known as a gipsy set ring and emblematic of the Victorian era. Originally given and worn as a token of friendship, the star setting surrounding the three old bril- liant-cut diamond is also symbolic.” Flora Antique Victorian Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring with an exquisite round vivid and vibrant sapphire is accentuated by a halo of old brilliant-cut diamonds set to form a beautifully bright and sparkly frame around the centre stone. It is set in 18-carat yellow gold, with a setting that looks like a regal crown when admired from the side. “The soft, geometric engraving at the top of the shanks, where the band meets the crown, is another design detail that makes Flora stand out in a crowd.” Edwardian engagement rings were crafted during Queen Victoria’s son Edward VII’’s reign from 1901 to 1910. “In terms of jewellery design, the era is usually extended to include the period of Victoria’s decline and the years after Edward passed away, until the onset of the First World War in 1914.” His reign may have been short, but Britain went through some profound changes. “A fashion - able bon viveur who liked the finer things in life, he threw himself into his role as king and was a popular ruler.” During this era, jewellery had a more ethereal and feminine tone with platinum mixed with yellow gold and millegrain, a decorative technique, added exquisitely delicate details to rings such as rows of tiny beads, painstakingly carved by hand. One of the most popular Edwardian engagement rings is the romantic daisy featuring a cluster of old-cut diamonds set to resemble a six-pet - alled flower.“Thanks to their timeless femininity, Edwardian daisy rings are still very much in demand now.” Edie Sapphire & Diamond Edward - ian Engagement Ring has a striking rectangular design. “Using diamonds to accentuate a centre stone was the height of fashion in the Edward- ian era, and the central 0.86-carat cushion cut sapphire in this elegant ring is encircled by eight old cut dia- monds set in 18-carat white gold, while the band is crafted from yellow gold.” The rows of tiny gold beads separate the diamonds and create a distinct pattern using millegrain to add texture to the gold. The beautiful antique Violette Ruby & Diamond Edwardian Engagement Ring in 18-carat gold is for those looking for something truly unique. “The unusual figure-of-eight design