The Victorian period was all about love and romance. When Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert, the jewelry of the times mirrored their romance and most jewelry of the time has a very strong romantic appeal to it. Two types of rings from this period reflect this romantic feel very well: The Dearest Ring, and the Regard Ring.

Both rings are 19th century love or sentimental rings. In a dearest ring, the initial letter of each gemstone spells out the word 'Dearest': Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz. For the Regard ring, the initial letters of the gemstones spells the word 'Regard': Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, and Diamond.

These rings are considered part of what is called Victorian Acrostic jewelry - jewelry in which the stone placement holds a special meaning for the recipient. This type of ring was used in Victorian times, around 1840 and it was given as a token of love and friendship. True Acrostic Victorian Jewelry is very rare, although modern day jewelers are making Victorian reproductions of regard rings.

All types of jewelry was made with the acrostic message regard or dearest, but rings were the most popular with brooches following a close second. This type of ring reminds me of one which my mother had which had the birthstones of my five brothers and sisters in it. She was very fond of that ring and it held great sentimental value to her for years.

Carol Speake

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