Renaissance Silver Wedding Ring "Fede" Type

Code: 10843

This is a superb example of a late medieval (Tudor period) Renaissance silver betrothal/wedding ring, dating to the 15th - 16th century A.D. 

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. 

This example is intact and in excellent excavated condition, an ideal piece to be worn again today.

OBJECT: Wedding Ring

CULTURE: Renaissance

DATE: c. 1450 - 1550 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver

RING SIZE:   7 1/4  (US)      O 1/2 (UK)

SIZE: 20mm x 21mm x 2mm 

WEIGHT:  1.60 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection