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Ring

1815-1867 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Papal States (made)

Although betrothals and weddings were marked by special jewellery throughout Europe, plain gold wedding rings, like this, are comparatively rare in traditional jewellery.

This ring is typical of traditional wedding rings from the area around Rome. It was bought as part of the Castellani collection of Italian Peasant Jewellery at the International Exhibition, Paris, 1867.

Object details

Categories
Jewellery
Metalwork
Traditional Jewellery (Europe)
Object type
Ring
Materials and techniques
Gold
Gold
Brief description
Wide gold band ring with facetted hoop, Lazio (Italy), 1815-1867.
Physical description
Wide gold band ring. The central band is slightly curved and facetted, with a notched rim at top and bottom.
Dimensions
  • Height: 24.1mm
  • Width: 24.1mm
  • Depth: 12.9mm
Marks and inscriptions
  • Crossed keys with mitre above, in oval frame. (On outside of shank.)
    Translation
    Mark for 750 standard gold, Papal States/Rome, 1815-1870.
  • Four illegible letters in horizontal lozenge frame. (On outside of shank.)
    Translation
    Mark of unidentified maker.
Summary
Although betrothals and weddings were marked by special jewellery throughout Europe, plain gold wedding rings, like this, are comparatively rare in traditional jewellery.

This ring is typical of traditional wedding rings from the area around Rome. It was bought as part of the Castellani collection of Italian Peasant Jewellery at the International Exhibition, Paris, 1867.
Bibliographic references
  • 'Italian Jewellery as worn by the Peasants of Italy', Arundel Society, London, 1868, Plate 8 For similar, see: Catalogue, ‘l'Ornamento Prezioso’, Rome/Milan, 1986, Tab.27, fig. 143
  • For similar, see: Catalogue, ‘l'Ornamento Prezioso’, Rome/Milan, 1986, Tab.27, fig. 143
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
168-1868

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O377168/ring-unknown/
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