FLOWER RING JEWELRY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW GUIDE & HOW TO
FLOWER RING
Flowers are one of the most common motifs used in art and design, and this is particularly true with jewelry. Jewelry designers have been crafting flower rings and jewelry for hundreds of years. It is no surprise either. Flowers are among nature’s most charming creations. We are naturally drawn to their ephemeral beauty.
If you want to put a slight twist on a traditional engagement ring, a flower ring may be the perfect option for you. This ultra-feminine ring style is elegant, romantic, and timeless—with a slightly vintage look that makes it stand out in a crowd. And, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in luck: Flower wedding rings are really popular right now, and there are tons of gorgeous options out there.
From celebrities to real brides, there’s at least one wedding look that’s a paired with exquisite floral rings and accentuates the bride’s radiance and freshness. This beautiful jewelry pieces sure are a mainstay. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in artificial counterparts of fresh floral jewelry. And the trend does make sense. Apart from being less fragile, they can be used as a keepsake for use later.
Now more than ever, people are searching for meaning in objects,” says Ficalora. “Flowers speak to the sentimentality of something beautiful and light in a dark world.” Sassone adds, “Flower rings offer a ton of finger coverage, but the price tag isn’t as hefty because the total carat weight is distributed over all of the stones, as opposed to buying one large solitaire." In other words: You get more bang for your buck and the small stones on the halo or the wedding bands make your ring appear larger than it is.
THE HISTORY OF FLOWER RING
Flower rings and jewelries were crafted to look like flowers since pretty much the very beginning. However, since the classic jewelry eras are the most meaningful and influential in the modern day, let’s start there. From the Georgian era to the modern era, flowers of all varieties have been a tremendously popular form of inspiration for jewelry and rings.
VICTORIAN JEWELRY (CIRCA 1835-1900)
During the early Victorian era, jewelry designs became much more realistic, with intricate details. This era was known for their romantic, bold, feminine designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Nature-inspired designs of foliage and floral patterns were widespread. Lovers were deeply enlivened by secret languages assigned to their flower rings. Different flowers conveyed special messages of love and emotion. For example, a sunflower meant adoration, while a daisy declared innocence, and tulips expressed a declaration of love, while a violet represented loyalty and devotion. All different kinds of flowers were used in the designs of Victorian era jewelry and rings.
EARLY, MIDDLE, LATE VICTORIAN ERA
The Victorian era is separated into three time periods – early, middle, and late – and the styles were greatly impacted by the Queen’s taste. When her husband Prince Albert died in 1861, the Mid-Victorian era began and mourning jewelry became popular (the types of flowers used as motifs also represented this change).
What’s more, the Victorian era saw huge advancement in technology and manufacturing. Designs, precious metals, and diamond cuts became much more sophisticated over the course of the Victorian era. This is why there is such a big difference in the look of Early-Victorian era and Late-Victorian era flower motif rings and jewelry.
ART NOUVEAU JEWELRY (CIRCA 1880-1910)
Jewelry designs of the Art Nouveau era are revered as some of the greatest artist of their time. During a time when hand fabricating was becoming passé thanks to incredible innovations in the field, designers of the Art Nouveau style held true to the meticulous workmanship. Art Nouveau jewelry was light, soft, and very romantic. They used silver and gold and gemstones like opals, sapphires, moonstones, vitrines, ambers, and pearls. They also experimented with stunning enameling techniques and unique settings.
While the late-Victorian era saw less rings and jewelry in the form of flowers, the Art Nouveau era kept it popular. However, they used flowers never before seen in jewelry, like water lilies, poppies, and fuchsias. The designs were curvy, feminine and whimsical. A lot of inspiration was pulled from Japanese art as well.
EDWARDIAN JEWELRY (CIRCA 1901-1915)
Over in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the death of Queen Victoria brought in the era of Edwardian jewelry. The designs can be characterized as light, graceful, and sophisticated. They were very intricate in their detailing. Platinum became popular, as designers were finally able to use heat high enough to work with it, and diamonds started becoming ubiquitous.
The favorites for floral designs were laurel wreaths and garlands of flowers. However, the Edwardian era is also recognized for creating some very unique flower motif rings using cluster settings.
ART DECO JEWELRY (CIRCA 1915-1935)
The Art Deco era is probably the jewelry era with the most reverence. It inspires much of the modern jewelry you see today. The style of Art Deco jewelry and rings is fun and forward-thinking. The designs were bold, colorful, symmetrical and more masculine than previous eras. They used brighter colors, futuristic motifs, and a lot of geometric forms.
Floral motif rings of the Art Deco era took form in geometric shapes. White gold and platinum was the metal of choice, and diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies were the favored gemstones.
Another common theme of the Art Deco era is how they would carve floral designs directly into semi-precious soft gemstones.
You can almost instantly tell when a floral motif ring is from or inspired by the Art Deco era because it is perfectly uniform and consistent, both in colors and form. Even one of the most popular flower designs, the lotus blossom.
RETRO JEWELRY (CIRCA 1935-1950)
In the Retro era, flower motifs blossomed everywhere. However, they were vastly different. The Retro era did everything on a grander scale. Big chunky rings articulated petals and leaves. It was a bolder look for sure, yet somewhat less realistic.
MID-CENTURY TO MODERN DAY (1950-PRESENT)
After World War II ended, jewelry designs reverted back to their feminine beginnings. The style was open, airy, and textural.
Gemstones were the most common way to emphasize floral rings. For example, the pistil of the flower ring could be a round sapphire or ruby and the petals white diamonds with a pear or marquise cut. Overall, the designs for floral rings have really evolved over the last 50 years, becoming more realistic than ever.
Nowadays, you will see that jewelry designers pull inspiration from all of the classic jewelry eras, using their own progressive touch and contemporary thinking. Rings may even use aspects from multiple eras, in regards to settings, gemstone shapes, and colors. That’s the beauty of the modern era, we can take from all of the classic jewelry periods when designing jewelry, while putting our own flare and modern sophistication on it.
WHAT DOES A FLOWER RING SYMBOLIZE?
On the whole, a flower design is a very romantic and loving motif for a ring. It represents the beauty of nature. However, the meanings of flowers rings can also be very nuanced. Different flowers have unique meanings. Flowers have been a secret language for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. People are always looking for meaning in objects.
So, let’s have a look at the symbolism of specific flowers:
- Tulips and Roses declare “love”
- Lilies are for “purity” and “innocence of the soul”
- Violets mean “faith”.
- Orange blossoms symbolize “everlasting love”
- Forget-me-nots are, of course, for “remembrance”
- Lily of the Valley represents a “return to happiness”
- Pansies say “think of me”
- Ivy expresses “fidelity”.
- Sunflowers mean “good luck”, “adoration” and “lasting happiness”
- Daisies state “innocence” and “hope”
- Honeysuckles are “bands of love”
- Ivy flowers are for “friendship”, “fidelity”, and “marriage”
- Jasmine is “sweet love” and “amiability”
- Lilacs mean “joy of youth”
- Lotus express “purity” and “enlightenment”
- Morning Glories are “pure affection”
The list really goes on and on, but the above are probably the most common flowers used for rings.
TYPES OF FLOWER RINGS
READY TO WEAR THE FLOWER WEDDING RING OF YOUR DREAMS? AHEAD, OUR FAVORITE FLOWER RINGS TO CONSIDER, PLUS WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SHOP
Blossom Flower Ring
The word Blossom represents spring, a new beginning and growth. Blossom has additional meaning it represents life and the fact that we don't control it. The weather conditions control the length of the bloom, literally with blossom and figuratively with a person's life. Having a blossom flower ring makes you feel nature's energy and bring a part of the blossom wherever you go with the a flower that never fades.
Nature is an unlimited source of inspiration. Nature adorns flowers with a pallet of colors that enliven memories of the most nostalgic moments of our life. Their beauty and vibration can give us the most powerful protection.
For Japanese culture, it’s a symbol of renewal and optimism. It’s creates a magic atmosphere that inspires gratitude and mindfulness.
Bellflower Ring
Using a gemstone as the main focal point in a floral ring is another beautiful way to add this natural element. We love custom faceting gemstones to create unique flower patterns like this one. Check out our gem gallery for more unique flower sapphire shapes too!
Azalea Ring
Eye-catching azaleas are arranged in a three-stone style with the center diamond in this unique flower ring. Framing your center diamond with flowers is a lovely way to have a more traditional style ring with an organic and natural detail.
Columbine Ring
Using hand-crafted design elements like filigree can create delicate flower ring designs. This columbine ring uses filigree wire to create the spurs of the columbine flower that extend from the back of the flower
Rose ring
The rose rings denote love or passion, a daisy design is used to signify innocence. In addition, the rose ring is more durable and surprisingly more affordable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
WHAT DOES WEARING A FLOWER RING SAY ABOUT YOU?
Similar to halo rings, floral rings did have some significance in Victorian times. To express their true love and desire, flowers were given by suitors during the Victorian era. Today, floral rings are worn as a symbol of undying love, admiration, and devotion
ARE FLOWER RINGS GREAT FOR STACKING
Flower rings are known for looking really nice when stacked. As long as it sits comfortably on your hand and it's safe from scratching or sliding off your finger.
WHY FLOWER RINGS ARE THE BEST AS ADJUSTABLE RINGS
From subtle to statement-making, flower rings have taken the world by storm since the late 18th century, and with their divergent nature, they take the "hard factor" out of ring shopping for good. All you need to do is choose a custom piece (or pieces) that you genuinely love and matches who you are, all while having the fullest assurance you will unequivocally never go wrong when it comes to size.
In summary, there is a reason why adjustable rings have and will always be highly sought out pieces – because they perfectly intertwine beauty and elegance with practicality at the same time. Overall, with just a small pitch or pull, you can wear one size fits all rings however and whenever desired. Then adding handmade rings into the mix, it all equates to a luxury ring-wearing experience that SATINSKI believes everyone deserves to have.
