EUROPEAN BETROTHAL RING, 16TH-17TH CENTURY, SIZE 10

During the Renaissance, the act of committing to marriage took place as a formal ceremony with vows, considered sacred and unbreakable, exchanged. A ring was given by the man to the woman to bind the pledge and worn until the marriage. That practice is believed to derive from the custom of providing a bride’s price or dowry. This example is size 10 with an oval bezel with a beaded surround, flanked by an arrangement of 3 small bosses in foliage, on each side. Fine quality and working life wear indicating that it was made for a young person who wore it extensively prior to marriage. The 24karat gold surface restored and is gift boxed with a certificate of authenticity.