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The antique hair rings of past generations all have a story to tell. Some are hallmarked to allow dating and locating their point of origin. Others may be engraved with the original owners name, initials and a special date or message.

I am dazzled with the workmanship and detail in some of the older rings. The hair under glass fashioned into a tiny bow surrounded by seed pearls is a particular favorite. And also the simpler gold bands with black enamel work that were given to people who attended a funeral. I also enjoy the smaller rings with Persian turquoise set in karat yellow gold.

An interesting tidbit from the 1856 book "Inquire Within for Anything You Want to Know" by G.G. Evans, the symbolism if wearing rings on the left hand is described. A ring worn on the first finger signals a man desiring a wife, or a woman not spoken for. A ring worn the second finger signals an engaged person, and on the third finger a married person. A person who plans never to marry wears a ring on the little finger.

I hope you have at least one antique ring to treasure as well, to hand down to your daughters and grand-daughters as I will. Enjoy looking!

To purchase some of our lovely antique hair rings, please click HERE.

To enjoy our gallery of Victorian & Edwardian rings we had in the past, visit HERE.

A ring is one of the most special hand-me-downs in many families, and even if there are none in your family now, it is never too late to begin a legacy of your own. Whether you want reasonable priced rhinestones, sterling and turquoise, and bakelite, or antique rings with gem stones and diamonds, rings are a personal legacy that can be worn daily, a reminder of loved ones and family.

I am particularly fond of antique rings myself and own two of my Grandmothers, wearing and treasuring both. One is set with tiny seed pearls and another set with a small sapphire, emerald and diamond.

Another is a 1950s tourist piece from the Fred Harvey era. It is set with a Dragons breath cabochon, and I wore it until it literally fell off my finger while I was climbing a tree!

By custom, wedding rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand. In the 1856 book "Inquire Within for Anything You Want to Know" by G.G. Evans, two explanations are given for this custom. One goes back to Roman times, when a ring was worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was believed that a nerve ran from there to the heart. In Christian custom, the third finger symbolizes the Trinity

Please enjoy our selection of rings by clicking HERE. I would so enjoy being the source of a new family legacy for you!

And for rings made of sterling, bakelite and other materials click HERE.

http://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/