Franklin Dean
The wedding ring of Katharina von Bora, who married Martin Luther in 1525, has been recreated by several jewellers over the years. The original ring was sold by the couple's heirs and was only recovered and brought back into the public eye in 1817. James Avery, Ad Crucem, and Bell and Bird are some of the companies that have offered reproductions of the ring. The ring features intricate goldwork, a ruby or garnet, and engravings representing the Passion of Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ring Width | 1/2" |
| Stone | 4mm round cabochon garnet |
| Available Sizes | 5 to 13 |
| Ring Material | Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Rhodium |
| Where to Buy | Ad Crucem, James Avery |
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What You'll Learn
James Avery's Katharina von Bora wedding ring reproduction
The James Avery Katharina von Bora wedding ring reproduction is a sought-after item, with many people interested in purchasing this historical replica. James Avery's website describes the ring as:
> "...a recreation of the ring commemorating the marriage of Martin Luther and Catherine von Bora on June 13, 1525. The designs on the ring represent symbols of the Passion of Christ."
The original ring, created by Lucas Cranach, was set with a ruby and intricate goldwork, symbolising the exalted love between the couple. The inner band of the original ring was inscribed with the names of the couple and their wedding date in German: "Der 13 Janij, 1525".
Over time, the Avery reproductions of the ring began to show signs of wear and tear, with some rings arriving to customers in unsalvageable conditions. As a result, Ad Crucem, a manufacturing jeweller in New York City, was introduced to produce the ring on demand. Ad Crucem has since created a gold replica of the ring, with the option for customers to request a quote for a custom gold piece.
While the James Avery reproduction of the Katharina von Bora wedding ring may no longer be available for purchase, it continues to be a popular item, with people inquiring about its availability and design.
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The history of the original ring
The history of the original wedding ring of Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther is a fascinating one. The couple, who were pivotal figures in the Protestant Reformation, were married on 13 June 1525. The original ring was designed by Lucas Cranach and featured intricate gold work with a ruby at its centre. The ruby was the emblem of exalted love, and the gold devices represented all the symbols of the Passion. Inside the ring were the names of the couple and their wedding date in German: "Der 13 Janij, 1525".
The original ring was sold by their heirs after their deaths and was only recovered and brought back into public awareness in 1817. The ring was mentioned in The Intellectual Observer, which reported that it belonged to a family in Leipsic as late as 1817. There is some mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the ring after this date, as it was allegedly found by a servant girl in 1844, but its location after that discovery is unknown.
The ring's design has been reproduced by jewellers over the years, including James Avery and Ad Crucem. These reproductions have been sought after by many, with Ad Crucem stating that their Luther wedding ring replica is the most requested item they have created. The reproductions are based on dozens of photographs and drawings of the original ring, as well as a hand-drawn copy.
The marriage of Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther was of great significance in the history of Protestantism, particularly regarding the development of its views on marriage and gender roles. Luther's public arguments for clerical marriage and his anti-Catholic propaganda made their union a target for his enemies. Their wedding rings, therefore, stand as important reminders of their commitment to each other and their role in shaping Protestant family life.
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The significance of the ring's design
The original design features a central crucified Saviour, with a ruby, the emblem of exalted love, at its heart. Arranged around this central motif are intricate gold devices representing the symbols of the Passion: a spear, a rod of reeds, a branch of hyssop, and the dice and nails from the Crucifixion. These symbols reflect the couple's deep faith and devotion to their religious beliefs.
The arrangement of these elements forms a large cross, further emphasising the religious significance of the ring. The names of the couple and their wedding date in German, "Der 13 Janij, 1525", are inscribed inside the ring, making it a unique and personal token of their love.
The reproduction of this ring by James Avery brought the design to a wider audience, allowing people to own a piece of history. While these replicas hold sentimental value for their owners, they cannot match the craftsmanship and historical significance of the original.
The enduring popularity of the ring's design, even after half a millennium, is a testament to the impact of Katharina and Martin's marriage. Their love story continues to inspire, and the ring serves as a reminder of the power and endurance of their union.
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The mystery of Martin Luther's ring
Martin Luther's wedding ring is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Luther, who lived from 1483 to 1546, was a central figure in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. His marriage to Katharina von Bora on June 13, 1525, was a significant event, marked by a unique wedding ring. However, the original ring has been lost to history, leaving scholars and enthusiasts with many unanswered questions.
The ring's design was intricate and symbolic. It is described as a "perfect model of art", crafted from gold with intricate devices representing symbols of the "Passion of Christ". At the centre was a crucified Saviour, surrounded by symbols such as a spear, a rod of reeds, a branch of hyssop, dice, and three nails. The ring also featured a ruby, symbolising exalted love, and was about half an inch wide. Inside the ring were the names of the couple and their wedding date, inscribed in German.
The last known sighting of Luther's ring was in 1844 when a servant girl travelling towards Bautzen in Germany found a ring with a similar description. The ring was set with rubies and bore an inscription: "Martino Luther, Catherina V. Boren, die 31 October, 1525". There are discrepancies in the accounts, as some sources suggest the ring was found as late as 1817 and dispute the spelling of the names and the wedding date. The original ring has never been rediscovered, and its current whereabouts remain a mystery.
Adding to the enigma is the small box on top of Luther's ring, which has sparked curiosity about its contents. Speculations range from a tiny crucifix to a VDMA medallion or even a lock of Katharina's hair. Despite the passage of time, the significance of the Luthers' marriage and the symbolism of their wedding rings continue to captivate people.
The demand for replicas of the Luther wedding ring is a testament to its enduring fascination. Companies like Ad Crucem have attempted to recreate the ring based on historical descriptions, drawings, and photographs. The reproduction of the ring serves as a connection to the past and a reminder of the scandalous yet influential union between Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora.
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Other replicas of the ring
The James Avery company previously sold replicas of Katharina von Bora's wedding ring, but these were created around 50 years ago and are no longer available. Ad Crucem, a manufacturing jeweler in New York City, has since been introduced to produce the ring on demand.
Ad Crucem offers the replica ring in sterling silver and rhodium-plated, and can also provide a quote for a gold version. The inner band of the ring is engraved with "Catharina u. Boren D. Martin Luther".
A user on Reddit shared that their wife bought them a replica of the ring from a James Avery store almost 38 years ago. The design may have since been discontinued, but it is unclear whether the ring is still available for purchase.
A different version of the replica ring is also available in sterling silver with a natural ruby. This ring was part of a large German collection exhibited at the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Hanau Museum in 2011.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase a replica of Katharina von Bora's wedding ring from Ad Crucem, James Avery, or Bell and Bird.
The ring is made of sterling silver and plated with rhodium. If you would prefer a gold ring, Ad Crucem can provide a quote.
The designs on the ring represent symbols of the Passion of Christ, including the crucifixion and the instruments of torture.
The ring is engraved with "D. Martino Luthero Catharina v. Bora" and weighs 4 grams. The inner band has an inscription: "Catharina u. Boren D. Martin Luther".
The original ring was created by Lucas Cranach for Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther to receive at their wedding on June 13, 1525. The ring was sold by their heirs and went missing for centuries. It was recovered and brought back into public awareness in 1817.
