Medieval silver-gilt decorated fede finger ring

Code: 11078

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 is an excellent example with a very well modeled hands, the band is decorated and retains traces of the original gold gilding. A good excavated ring that can still be worn again today!

OBJECT: Wedding Ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1350 - 1450 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

RING SIZE:   8 3/4    (US)      R 1/4 (UK)

SIZE: 22mm x 21mm x 3mm (bezel 7mm x 13mm x 3mm)

WEIGHT: 1.74 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection