EUROPEAN BETROTHAL RING, C.1600-1700, SIZE 7 ½

During the period, 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 gilt bronze, size 7 1/2 with a narrow band and top or bezel formed of two hands gripped in a hand shape, somewhat abstracted. Light surface texture from burial. Professionally refurbished with the 24karat gold surface restored and gift boxed with a certificate of authenticity. Good wearable size.