Fede ring

A substantial 22 carat gold fede ring, circa 1680 – 1700. The decorative device of two hands clasped in love and trust was found all over Europe. This type of love token ring was commonly known as a ‘fede’ (faith) ring. The expression fede or mani in fede is taken from the Italian, meaning ‘hands clasped in trust’. Among the definitions of ‘fede’ in John Florio’s 1611 Dictionarie of the Italian and English Tongues is ‘a ring made with hand in hand’. The term ‘hand in hand’ was common in 16th and 17th century England. This fede ring is size S and 1/2 [US 9 and 3/8] and can be sized. It weighs a substantial 7.2 grams. In crisp, original and immaculate condition.

£2900