Lyla Dejesus
Wedding rings have been used for thousands of years, with the first recorded evidence of a formal exchange of rings found in Ancient Egypt. The design and symbolism of wedding rings have evolved over time, reflecting the cultural and religious beliefs of different societies. In the 17th century, wedding rings were commonly made of gold, often featuring gemstone elements and engraved with romantic inscriptions in Latin or French. This period also saw the emergence of gimmel rings, which consisted of two interlocking bands that were united during the wedding ceremony. Diamonds also began to appear more frequently in wedding and engagement rings during this time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Gold band |
| Gemstones | |
| Diamonds | |
| Style | Engraved |
| "Poesie" or romantic inscription | |
| Fede motifs | |
| Claddagh ring | |
| Gimmel ring |
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What You'll Learn
Gold bands engraved with romantic inscriptions in Latin or French
Wedding rings have been exchanged for thousands of years, with the practice emerging in ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome. The tradition evolved over time, with the church formalising the practice in the 12th century. By the 17th century, wedding rings were commonplace and often consisted of gold bands engraved with romantic inscriptions or "posies" in Latin or French.
Posy rings, also known as "poesie" rings, were first commonly worn in the 15th century. They featured bold designs and were inscribed with words on the outside of the band. Over time, the designs became simpler, and the inscriptions more personal. Goldsmiths had to develop new techniques to engrave on the inside of the rings to keep these messages private and close to the wearer. This shift reflected a change in the view of marriage, with more emphasis on true love and less on the financial arrangement between families.
During the Renaissance, goldsmiths borrowed from ancient techniques to create unique wedding rings with new embellishments. Engraving and filigree decoration in floral motifs became popular, and advances in lapidary techniques made new gem cuts available. As a result, 17th-century wedding rings often included gemstone elements, primarily set in engraved settings of yellow gold. Diamonds, in particular, were showing up more often in wedding and engagement rings.
In the 17th century, gimmel rings, consisting of two interlocking bands, were also extremely popular. After a couple got married, each spouse would wear one part of the ring, and during the wedding ceremony, the groom would place his band on the bride's finger, uniting the two pieces. This style of ring is thought to date back to ancient Rome, where the hands represented friendship, partnership and the marriage contract.
The 17th century also saw the emergence of "keeper" rings, which were worn to accent and protect the wedding band. For example, Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, was given a solitaire diamond ring as an engagement ring. She wore a keeper ring engraved with the date of her wedding, which was set with diamonds all around.
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Gemstones set in engraved settings of yellow gold
Wedding rings have a long and fascinating history, with the first recorded evidence of a formal exchange of rings found in ancient Egypt. The tradition of exchanging rings has evolved over the centuries, with different styles and materials gaining popularity at different times.
In the 17th century, wedding rings often consisted of a gold band, engraved with a "poesie" or romantic inscription in Latin or French. During this period, it became common for rings to feature gemstone elements, particularly diamonds, which had become established as a symbol of everlasting marital love. These gemstones were typically set in engraved settings of yellow gold, creating a striking and ornate appearance.
Goldsmiths of the Renaissance, which spanned the 14th to 17th centuries, drew on ancient techniques to craft unique wedding rings with intricate embellishments. Engraving and filigree decoration in floral motifs were particularly popular, and advancements in lapidary techniques allowed for new gemstone cuts.
The use of gemstones in wedding rings during the 17th century reflects a broader trend of incorporating precious gems into jewellery. Medieval Europeans, for example, used rubies to symbolise passion, sapphires to represent the heavens, and diamonds to signify steadfast strength. Similarly, the ancient Romans personalised their rings by carving portraits into the gemstones.
While the specific origins of the wedding ring are unclear, it is believed that the circle of the ring represented no beginning and no end, symbolising everlasting love and commitment. The inside of the ring was thought to symbolise the future, a notion that continues to hold significance today.
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Jewish wedding bands made of solid gold or silver
The use of wedding rings has a long and varied history, with different styles and materials coming in and out of fashion over the centuries. By the 17th century, diamonds were becoming more common in wedding and engagement rings, and gimmel rings, featuring two or three interlocking bands, were also popular. Fede rings, featuring two clasped hands, were another common style, as were posy rings, which featured a short verse or poem inscription. In general, 17th-century wedding rings often consisted of a gold band, sometimes with gemstone elements, and were engraved with a romantic inscription in Latin or French.
Jewish wedding bands have their own unique traditions and symbolism. According to Jewish tradition, wedding bands should be a simple, unbroken circle of solid gold or silver, with no stones or other embellishments. This is said to represent an everlasting marriage that is free of distraction or complication. The value of the ring is traditionally kept low, at a minimum of a penny (pe’rutah), to symbolise that the couple's intentions are true and not driven by money or false pretence.
Gold has been a popular choice for Jewish wedding bands due to its monetary value, resistance to tarnishing, and attractive appearance. It is also associated with the rings of gold mentioned in the Tabernacle in Exodus 26:29. Silver is another traditional metal for Jewish wedding bands, as it is a common metal for money. The use of these precious metals also symbolises the value of the marriage itself.
While some have argued that the simplicity of the band represents the hope for honesty and purity in the relationship, others see the circle as a symbol of the equality of all people, including the married couple. In addition, the absence of gemstones or intricate details can be seen as a way to ensure that the value of the ring is apparent, thus avoiding any potential deception or misunderstanding.
It is worth noting that the exchange of wedding rings was not originally an essential part of Jewish marriage. However, over time, it has become an integral and iconic element of Jewish wedding traditions, with the rings often exchanged under the chuppah (marriage canopy).
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Gimmel rings with two or three interlocking bands
Gimmel rings, also known as joint rings, were commonly used in 17th-century England to signify betrothal or marriage. They were usually made of two interlocking bands, but some had three, like the Jamestown ring. The name 'gimmel' comes from the Latin 'gemellus', meaning twin. During the engagement, each lover would wear one of the interlocking bands, and during the wedding ceremony, the groom would unite the two bands and place the ring on the bride's finger.
Gimmel rings often featured the clasped hand motif of the fede ring, which showed two right hands clasped together, representing friendship, partnership and the marriage contract. They also sometimes featured inscriptions, known as posies or posies, which were short verses often taken from poems. These inscriptions were originally placed on the outside of the bands, but as time went on, goldsmiths developed techniques to engrave them on the inside of the rings, keeping the messages private and close to the wearer.
Gimmel rings could also be set with gemstones, often diamonds and rubies. A German ring from 1631 featured hidden enamelled baby and skeleton motifs to represent eternity. Another ring from the 15th to 17th century featured the inscription: 'As hands do shut soe hart be knit', with a small heart on the uppermost hand.
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Renaissance posy rings with short verses from poems
Posy rings, also spelled posie, posey, or poesy, were popular during the 15th through 17th centuries in England and France as lovers' gifts. The name is derived from the French word "poésie", meaning poem, due to the short verses, mottos, and sayings engraved on the rings. These verses were often religious, friendly, or amorous in nature.
"Live in love and love in god", a 17th-century posy ring with a smooth, conforming shape, engraved on the interior.
"Vertue passeth riches", a Stuart posy ring with a shallow D-shaped band, engraved in florid italic script.
"Alle my trust", a late 17th-century gold posy ring with engraved decoration on the outer shank.
"Loyalte ne peur" ("Loyalty not fear"), a 17th-century posy ring with animal and plant engravings on the outside and traces of white enamel.
"Two hands, one heart, Till death us part", a 17th-century English posy ring with a pictogram inscription.
"Trew Love Is My Desyre", another English posy ring from the 17th century.
Posy rings were often personalized, with givers choosing a saying that held special meaning for them and the recipient. They could also be customized with a verse or saying that was significant to the relationship.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding rings in the 17th century were often made of gold or silver.
17th-century wedding rings often featured gemstone elements, set in engraved yellow gold. They were also sometimes inscribed with a "poesie", or romantic inscription, in Latin or French.
Wedding rings were mostly worn by women until the 20th century. However, it is possible that men wore wedding rings in the 17th century, as the exchange of rings was formalised by the church in the 12th century.
Gimmel rings, which consist of two interlocking bands, were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. Poesy rings, which were inscribed with a poem, were also fashionable.
Diamonds were becoming more popular in wedding and engagement rings in the 17th century.
