Alternative Engagement and Wedding Rings with History
Choose an alternative engagement ring or historical wedding band by comparing the shape, gemstone, metal and feel that suit the person who will wear it. At British Historical Jewellery, each design begins with an original British find and is individually hand cast in our Leeds workshop.
Start with the engagement and wedding ring collection, then use the comparisons below to narrow your choice.
Compare the rings
| Ring | What to consider |
|---|---|
| East Yorkshire Medieval Stirrup Ring | A raised gemstone setting. Choose a 6mm emerald, sapphire or ruby cabochon, or a 6mm rose-cut diamond of approximately 0.60ct. Compare its height with any wedding band. |
| Wiltshire Medieval Stirrup Ring | A separate historical find with a slender hoop and raised stirrup bezel. Available with ruby, sapphire, emerald or diamond; check this product's details rather than assuming the East Yorkshire stone specification applies. |
| Oxfordshire Medieval Posy Band | A rounded outer band with surviving internal lettering. Consider it for an understated wedding ring with a private historical detail. |
| Northumberland Viking Scored Band | A band with repeated incised lines. A modern Viking wedding ring choice for someone who prefers geometric decoration. |
| Scottish Celtic Currency Ring and Northumberland Celtic Currency Ring | Compare the Scottish ring's compact form and central groove with the more substantial Northumberland design. The different proportions matter as much as the period. |
Each of these designs is offered in sterling silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold and platinum. Product pages show the current prices for the combination selected.
A gemstone or a band?
A stirrup ring places its gemstone prominently above the finger. It can suit a wearer who wants colour or a diamond in an unusual historical setting. A posy, Celtic or Viking band makes the shape, texture or decoration the focus.
For another decorated band, consider the Berkshire Fleur-de-lis Band. A Roman Ring & Dot Signet offers a further personal choice where a signet is preferred to a raised gemstone.
Choosing emerald, sapphire, ruby or diamond
Start with the colour and appearance the wearer enjoys, then discuss the stone and setting in relation to everyday use. The East Yorkshire ring's coloured stones are cabochons; its rose-cut diamond has a different appearance from a modern brilliant cut. These are choices for the new reproduction and do not prove which stone the excavated original held.
Use each ring's own product selector and photographs to compare combinations. Our guide to medieval stirrup rings and gemstones explains the historical form.
Will the rings sit together?
A raised bezel or projecting detail can leave space beside a straight wedding band. A close fit and a visible gap are both possible preferences. The practical questions are whether the rings feel comfortable together and whether either one rubs against the other's setting or decoration.
If you already have a ring, bring it when visiting the workshop. We can compare profiles on your hand. Follow our ring sizing guide and discuss fit before choosing a size, especially when wearing two bands together.
Choosing the precious metal
Compare the appearance, weight and price of sterling silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold and platinum. The same historical form feels different in different metals; the choice should suit the wearer and how they intend to use the ring. Read our precious-metal guide for a fuller comparison.
From the original find to your ring
The Oxfordshire posy band below shows the connection between an excavated artefact and its wearable reproduction. Its surviving form and inscription provide the starting point for the newly cast ring.
ORIGINAL ARTEFACT — NOT FOR SALE
Sterling silver reproduction
The original artefacts were not necessarily engagement or wedding rings in today's sense. Choosing a reproduction for a modern commitment gives that surviving historical form a new personal meaning. Read about Celtic wedding rings and Viking wedding rings for the distinction between evidence and modern choice.
Choose with the workshop
Each ring is individually hand cast, sized and finished at Leeds Corn Exchange. Discover how we cast from original finds and Dion Smith's work as a historical jeweller.
Browse alternative engagement and historical wedding rings, or visit or contact the Leeds workshop for help choosing a ring.