Medieval fede betrothal ring

Code: 11241

This is a superb example of a late medieval - Tudor silver-gilt betrothal/wedding ring, dating from the 14th - 16th century A.D. It depicts a pair of hands presenting a crowned heart. The shoulders are decorated with forget-me-not flowers. European finger rings called "fede rings". The name "fede" derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede ("hands [joined] in faith" or "hands [joined] in loyalty"). These rings date from Roman times, when the gesture of clasped hands was a symbol of pledging vows, and they were used as engagement/wedding rings in medieval and Renaissance Europe.

This example is intact and in excellent condition, only minor wear to the gilding in places. This will make a wonderful ring to be worn again today

OBJECT: Wedding Ring

CULTURE: Late Medieval

DATE: c. 1380 - 1580 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

RING SIZE:   9 1/2  (US)      S 3/4 (UK)

SIZE: 23.81mm x 23.33mm x 7.37mm (bezel 16.69mm x 13.80mm x 2.39mm)

WEIGHT:  7.86 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a Private Collection, Gloucestershire.