Fede Gimmel Ring History

The name gimmal comes from latin gemellus twin via old french.

Fede gimmel ring history. Gimmel rings are attributed to french in origins and were given in friendship or as popularly used in the renaissance as tokens of love or betrothal. Over the years they became much more intricate with interlocking bands see gimmle rings below and ornate enameling. History of gimmel rings in the 17th century gimmel rings were extremely popular in parts of europe and many betrothed couples wore them to signify their betrothal. The fede ring has a long history dating.

During this medieval period the wearing of wedding rings had already become a popular concept and couples wore rings to represent their taken status. The name gimmal comes from latin gemellus twin via old french. A gimmel ring from the latin gemellus meaning twin is a ring that is made up of two or more separate hoops sharing a split shank such that the hoops can be united and worn as a single ring. Courtesy of victoria albert museum.

Antique fede gimmel ring victorian hand ring a rare late victorian betrothal ring made in 10k rose gold in the form of double hands meeting in a clasp. It features elaborate symmetrical metalwork with one ring topped with a ruby and the other a diamond. Cast gold and enamel gimmel fede ring circa 1607. Gimmal ring or gimmel ring is a ring with two or three hoops or links that fit together to form one complete ring.

One of the earliest and most enduring style of wedding ring the fede gimmel ring became popular around the early 1100s and were worn to signify a couple s betrothal and then wedding. The name of the gimmel ring comes from the latin word gemellus meaning twin since the ring was comprised of two rings that were interlaced. A gimmal ring or gimmel ring is a ring with two or three hoops or links that fit together to form one complete ring. It was an amalgamation of what is now our custom of wearing both an engagement ring and a wedding ring.

With triple link rings a third p. In the 16th and 17th centuries such rings were fashionable in england germany and other countries and were often used as betrothal rings. A brief history of the fede gimmel ring. Traditionally the betrothed couple each received one of these rings and at the wedding ceremony both rings were joined as a symbol of the confirmation of consent.

Fede rings in different styles were popular in europe for over a thousand years. They resurfaced in the 1100s and lasted for centuries. The engaged couple would wear one hoop each and rejoin them to use as a wedding ring. It became prominent in the medieval period from the 12th century onwards and in more modern times.

The design is ancient going back to roman times if not before. One of the best examples of a gimmel ring sits inside the metropolitan museum in new york city it dates from 1631 and is german in origin.