Emporium volunteer delves into history of rings in new book

Verlaine Davies’ book “Rings: 1800-1910, A Study of English and Related Designs,” has photos of and information about finger rings that were popular with both men and women in England in the 19^th and early 20^th century.

It’s a unique subject that Davies knows well. She is a native of Great Britain and a long-time New Mexican. She has been one of the volunteers staffing The Emporium gift shop in Downtown Las Cruces for the past three and one-half years.

Davies also has been collecting and researching rings for decades.

Her collection – and her book – includes betrothal, wedding and keeper rings; commemorative and historical rings; and mourning rings; along with a section entitled “Care, Cautions and Repairs”; and an extensive glossary that defines everything from “acrostic” (gemstone rings fashionable 1810-75) to “zircon” (a natural gemstone that comes in a variety of colors). The glossary defines many ring styles and gemstones and even gives a brief biography of Queen Victoria (reign: 1837-1901), who “had a great love of jewellery.”

“A finger ring was the most cherished item in the entire sphere of jewellery, and no other piece of jewellery has been used to convey such a variety of sentiments,” Verlaine said in the introduction to her book. “Men, as well as women, wore finger rings – signet, wedding, mourning, decorative and other types – but it is in ladies’ rings that the greater variety of style and fashion is evident.”

You can contact Verlaine at The Emporium, 106 S. Water St. Call 575-523-8078.