Ring brooches are the commonest kind of traditional brooch in northern Europe. They can be circular or heart-shaped, and their design dates from the Middle Ages. They differ from modern brooches in the way they fasten. The wearer pulls the cloth of the garment through the central hole, and then spears it with the pin. The greater the strain on the pin, the more secure the fastening.

Ring brooches from the Altes Land are usually heart-shaped. In the late 18th century they were made of plain cast silver, but by the mid 19th century they were gilded and richly decorated with filigree and pendent beads, and set with coloured pastes. Women wore them at the neck of their shirt, to keep it fastened. These brooches often have names and dates engraved on the back, as here, showing that they were originally betrothal or wedding gifts. These inscriptions are almost always scratched or stippled by the bride or groom themselves, not professionally engraved.