One motif that was popular in Victorian times was the belt or garter or strap and buckles. There are a number of influences leading to the garter and buckle becoming items of jewellery.
One is linked to the Order of the Garter, of which Queen Victoria was the head. Male members of the Order wore a garter, amongst other regalia, around their legs but Queen Victoria began to wear her Order as a form of armlet. This led to bracelets in the form of a garter with buckle being designed. In turn, rings in the form of a belt and buckle were produced. The Order of the Garter was supposed to symbolise the qualities of loyalty, fidelity, and protection and so led to the creating of very symbolic jewellery.
Buckle rings and bracelets are also said to be symbolic of eternity as the band curves around and threads back into itself. The buckle also represents loyalty and binding love when given by one person to another. Rings were often used as wedding rings.
As seen above, buckle rings can be simple, often with engraving, or can be more elaborate, set with gemstones, here, pearls and diamonds. Bracelets can have tassels, be gem set or have enamelling. There is considerable variety.
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