Antique Victorian 10k Fede Gimmel Ring

A rare late Victorian betrothal ring, made in 10k rose gold in the form of double hands meeting in a clasp. Each hand is cleverly soldered to a separate shank hoop, with the hoops cleverly joined by a pin at the back so that the hands can open and re-join together in a symbolic performance of a love or marriage union. (Watch the video to see this in action)

Jewelry scholars and collectors call these types of double hand rings “fede gimmel” rings. The design is ancient, with a history stretching all the way to Roman antiquity. The clasped hands symbolize love, friendship, faith, and fidelity— a literal manifestation of the Latin phrase “mani in fede” (hands in faith). The fede gimmel ring survived the collapse of the Roman empire to enjoy popularity during the medieval and renaissance eras as betrothal rings. During the 18th and 19th centuries, these rings were commonly worn as wedding bands.