In spite of Britain’s infamous reputation as a highly reserved people, Queen Victoria was a great romantic who wore her love for her husband and children on her proverbial shirt-sleeve. Queen Victoria’s love of her family inspired a wave of sentimental Victorian jewellery, which caused the British people to literally wear their emotions on their sleeves, if not anywhere else.

An antique dearest ring

For example, ‘dearest’  and ‘regard’ jewellery, where gemstones are arranged in such a way that the first letter of each stone spells out a word of endearment, became very popular. First, one would receive a ‘regard’ piece, and then, if the relationship progressed the suitor would present a ‘dearest’ pin or ring. A ‘Regard’ piece, includes, in this order, Rubies, Emeralds, Garnets, Amethysts, Rubies, and Diamonds. Likewise a dearest ring includes, in this order, Diamonds, Emeralds, Amethyst, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires and Topaz.

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