The Victorian era is known for its elaborate and intricate designs in jewellery, often incorporating symbolic meaning and sentimental value into the pieces. One such design is the Victorian Lover’s Knot, which is a type of knot motif frequently found in antique jewellery from the late 19th century.
The Lover’s Knot, also known as the “True Lover’s Knot”, is a symbol of eternal love, fidelity and commitment. The knot itself is made up of two intertwined loops, with no beginning or end, representing the unbreakable bond between two people in love. The design was often used in engagement rings, wedding bands, brooches and other pieces of jewellery as a way of expressing the romantic sentiments of the time.
The Victorian era was a time of great romanticism, and this is reflected in the jewellery designs of the period. The Lover’s Knot was particularly popular in the late 1800s, and was often used in jewellery pieces as a way of expressing the wearer’s devotion to their loved one. It was also sometimes incorporated into mourning jewellery, as a way of expressing the idea that the love between the deceased and the surviving partner was eternal and unbreakable.
The knot itself was often embellished with precious gemstones or pearls, adding to the beauty and symbolism of the piece. It was also sometimes combined with other motifs, such as hearts or flowers, to further emphasize the romantic nature of the design.
Another popular motif in Victorian jewellery that often appears alongside the Lover’s Knot is the Double Heart Bow. This design features two hearts intertwined with a bow, symbolizing the union of two people in love. The bow represents the bond that ties the hearts together, while the hearts themselves represent the love and affection shared between the couple.
The Double Heart Bow motif was often used in engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as in other pieces of jewellery such as brooches, necklaces and earrings. It was often embellished with diamonds or other precious gemstones, adding to its beauty and value.
Like the Lover’s Knot, the Double Heart Bow was a popular symbol of love and devotion during the Victorian era. It was often given as a gift between lovers, and was also used in mourning jewellery as a way of expressing the enduring love between the deceased and their surviving partner.
Today, antique Lover’s Knot jewellery is highly sought after by collectors and romantics alike. These pieces are not only beautiful and intricately designed, but also carry with them the romantic sentiments of a bygone era. Whether worn as an engagement ring, wedding band or simply as a sentimental piece, Victorian Lover’s Knot jewellery continues to be a popular choice for those seeking to express their eternal love and devotion to their partner.
In conclusion, the Victorian Lover’s Knot is a beautiful and symbolic motif that has endured the test of time. It remains a popular choice for those seeking to express their love and commitment to their partner, and its intricate and delicate design continues to captivate and inspire jewellery lovers today.