Medieval Silver Fede Wedding Ring

Code: 10758

This is a nice medieval silver betrothal/wedding ring, dating to the 14th - 15th century A.D. It is designed as a pair of clasped hands, the details highlighted with pointillé work. The ring is quite a large size, so suited as a gentleman's wedding ring. 

Medieval lovers gave each other rings, and rings were used to mark betrothals and weddings, but among surviving rings, it is impossible today to distinguish these different uses. Such rings are generally called 'fede' (faith) rings. Rings showing clasped hands first appeared in Roman times when they represented a legal contract. Since the clasping of hands was part of the medieval betrothal ceremony, it is not surprising to find rings that can be attributed to the 'wedding ring' genre. Either way, it would be impossible to distinguish this ring as commemorative of love, betrothal or marriage. 

Today this ancient ring has survived in excellent condition, intact and wearable.

OBJECT: Wedding Ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1350 - 1450 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver

RING SIZE:   10 1/2   (US)      U 1/2  (UK)

SIZE: 24mm x 24mm x 4mm (bezel 13mm x 8mm x 3mm 

WEIGHT: 4.8 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Property of a European collector, Prague.