The Symbolic History of Belt Buckle Rings
Shop the MIMOSA Handcrafted Belt Buckle Ring
A belt buckle ring may seem like a quirky or avant-garde design at first glance, but it’s actually a piece steeped in history. What’s so special about a belt buckle, you may ask? The wonderfully sentimental Victorians will tell you! Belt buckle rings reached peak popularity in the 19th century, but they remain an iconic piece for vintage-inspired jewelry today.
Learn about the belt buckle ring's fascinating history below.
Courtesy of Clifton Vintage Boutique
A Victorian Jewelry Staple
Victorians had a special talent for turning ordinary items into meaningful symbols. From animals to inanimate objects, almost every motif found in Victorian jewelry had special significance. Rings, brooches, and lockets were more than just extravagant gifts. They were genuine tokens of affection and care.
The belt buckle ring was one of the most popular styles of the era, originating from Queen Victoria herself. It’s believed that the Queen wore her ring to represent her membership to the Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry created by King Edward III in 1348. The symbol of the historic order features a vibrant blue belt - and its buckle - surrounding an English flag on a shield. The ring style quickly caught on and developed a sweeter connotation.
Regular citizens adopted the belt buckle as a symbol for love, fidelity, and unbreakable bonds. Although rings were a popular gift choice for those in close relationships, they weren’t only limited to lovers. They could be gifted to family members and friends as a representation of platonic love. This beautiful symbol held its popularity well into the Edwardian era and is still a treasured piece for serious jewelry lovers.
Courtesy of OhMagpie
Remembrance Jewelry
Belt buckle rings were also considered remembrance jewelry during the Victorian Era. The secure bond between the belt and the buckle was a representation of strength and connection during mourning. Grieving Victorians wore belt buckle rings as symbols of enduring memory of their lost loved ones. It’s a simple yet impactful way to honor those we have lost.
Courtesy of Charlene Kennedy
An Alternative Symbol Of Love
If you love the history behind belt buckle rings as much as we do, we invite you to revive this fantastic symbol of love. Belt buckle rings can show friends, family members, and significant others how much you care in an extra meaningful way. They’re more subtle than heart-shaped jewelry, and they can easily be worn by anyone. A belt buckle ring just may be the perfect piece of jewelry for your next Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Palentine's Day gift.
Wrap a little love around your finger with our very own Belt Ring!
Shop the MIMOSA Handcrafted Belt Ring - $45 in bronze; $135 in sterling silver
Contact MIMOSA for 14k Gold pricing
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Guest blog by Maria Polansky
References:
https://www.joden.com/wp/tag/buckle-ring/
https://www.sugaretcie.com/antique-victorian-22-ct-gold-buckle-ring-1874-engraved-with-floral-pattern/
https://www.theoneilovenyc.com/the-archive/the-victorian-diamond-buckle-ring
Published 2/3/22; Last Updated 2/3/22