Leap Day engagements and St Valentine’s Day – two reasons to shop for rings at auction
28 January 2020 February 2020 is the month for romantics: St Valentine's Day on February 14 is a popular date to get engaged while the Leap Day of February 29 is traditionally regarded as the only time a woman can propose to her beau.
St Valentine's Day is a popular day to get engaged.
The tradition is linked to Scottish and Irish myths, such as the tale of a 5th century nun called St Bridget who complained to St Patrick that women had to wait too long for their suitors to propose. To appease St Bridget, St Patrick decreed February 29, which occurs once every four years, was the time that women were allowed to propose.
According to the myth St Bridget then proposed but was turned down by St Patrick who instead offered her a kiss and a silk gown as a consolation prize.
This later became a tradition that the female proposing should wear a scarlet petticoat (or breeches to disguise herself as a man). Folklore also deemed that if the man turns the woman’s proposal down he has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves (apparently to hide the lack of engagement ring on her hand and one for each month of the year).
If you have your petticoat ready (and are hoping to avoid receiving gloves), an engagement ring remains important.
Whoever it is that is proposing, finding the right ring for the right person is paramount.
Samuel Hill, director at auction house Elmwood’s, says around 76% of all engagement rings purchased are classic diamond solitaires. However, he warns that buyers should ensure they know the personal preferences of their loved one. Do they prefer gold or silver, traditional or modern, a coloured stone or diamond?
Diamonds remain a popular choice of course and this Art Deco style ring, with a trio of round cut diamonds totalling 1.4cts, is estimated at £1000-15000 at Elmwood’s auction on January 29.
An Art Deco style trio of round cut diamonds totalling 1.4cts estimated at £1000-15000 at Elmwood’s auction on January 29.
Although diamonds remain popular, buying a partner’s birthstone is also an option.
This antiques aquamarine and diamond ring c.1910 in yellow gold is the birth stone for March and is estimated at £800-1200 at Elmwood’s.
An aquamarine and diamond ring c.1910 estimated at £800-1200 at Elmwood’s on January 29.
The auction house has more than 100 rings in its January 29 auction.
At The Canterbury Auction Galleries two day auction on February 8-9 among its jewellery lots is this diamond cluster ring by French brand Boucheron.
A diamond cluster ring by French brand Boucheron estimated at £9000-12,000 at The Canterbury Auction Galleries two day auction on February 8-9.
Estimated at £9000-12,000, the 18ct white gold mount with brilliant cut and baguette cut diamonds is engraved ‘Albuouerque Paris Monte Carlo’ and the total diamond weight is 9cts.
Auction house Fellows has regular jewellery sales and the next is scheduled for January 30.
Among the engagement ring contenders is this traditional 18ct gold brilliant-cut diamond cluster ring.
An 18ct gold brilliant-cut diamond cluster ring estimated at £2000-3000 at Fellows on January 30.
The estimated total diamond weight is 1.5ct and it is estimated at £2000-3000.
Auction house Bonhams also has a wide variety of rings in its upcoming Knightsbridge Jewels sale.
For somebody who likes diamonds and colour then there are fancy-coloured diamond rings such as this shield-shaped pink diamond, weighing 0.77ct. It is estimated at £5000-7000 at the auction on February 5.
Latest lots: View and bid on rings coming up at auction.
Learn about engagement rings here.
To find out more about buying jewellery at auction read our guide.
