Medieval Gold Wedding Ring "Fede" Type

Code: 11648

This is a late medieval gold betrothal/wedding ring, dating to the 15th - 16th century AD. 

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.

A very nice example in good antique condition, the band bears an old resizing mark but the ring is perfectly wearable.

OBJECT: Wedding Ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1450 - 1550 A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold

RING SIZE:     6 3/4  (US)      N 1/2  (UK)

SIZE: 20mm x 20mm x 3mm (bezel 13mm x 6mm x 2mm) 

WEIGHT: 2.46 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection, London.