Monday, January 13, 2014

Gimme some Gimmel rings

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175672627/vintage-1940s-gimmel-fede-ring-fede?ref=shop_home_active_1

I am happy to have a ring in the shop with such a long, long history as well as a traceable provenance. This style of ring is called a gimmel ring, which indicates that it has interlocking "twin" (from "gemellus" in Latin) parts. It can also be called a fede ring when it features the clasped hands, an ancient symbol of good faith and trust. You can see a very early example of a fede motif ring right here in the collection of the Walters Art Museum

This style of ring makes many appearances in history. It was often used as a wedding ring because of the powerful symbolism of the interlocking bands. We find reference to "joint ring" in Shakespeare's plays and there are early examples of gimmel rings in museum collections around the world, including a this piece from the early 1600s at the Victoria and Albert Museum and a wonderful German example from the late 1500s at the Metropolitain Museum of Art. Here are a few more examples from the Victoria & Albert Museum (image linked):

http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O118574/ring-unknown/

Early gimmel rings were interlocking but we don't see a nicely functioning pivoting mechanism (or pin) until the 1800s. And it wasn't until 1939 that an American designer Samuel Kalina applied for a patent on a design for such a feature. The gimmel/fede ring that I have in the shop right now is his design, manufactured from these very drawings:

This particular ring was made from a design patented in 1940 by a Mr. Samuel Kalina. It is an unusual opportunity to see the original drawings for the ring as well as admire the finished product.

As Mr. Kalina explains in the patent write up, "the principal object of the invention is to provide a novel ring embodying sections for containing identification data, engraved or otherwise inscribed thereon, and constructed and arranged for clasping together so as to conceal such data, together with a form of clasp having a significant sentimental value aspect when fastened." 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175672627/vintage-1940s-gimmel-fede-ring-fede?ref=shop_home_active_1

This ring is done in sterling silver with two interlocking bands and clasped hands. The detail on the hands and cuffs is incredible and the laurel-leaf casting on the top and bottom of the bands is exquisite. There other marvelous examples of gimmel/fede rings on Etsy - many of them older than mine - including this 18K gold triplet fede ring (concealing a heart!) over at one of my favorite shops, The Deeps

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162634732/antique-fede-gimmel-ring-18k-gold-hands?ref=shop_home_active_5

And thus concludes your history lesson for the day :)

Patent image and quotation courtesy of Google Patents, historical gimmel ring images courtesy of the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, 18K gold gimmel ring courtesy of The Deeps

12 comments:

Wild Tea Party said...

I pretty much sigh every day over that ring at The Deeps. Gimmel ring are just the best.

Anonymous said...

I saw this and was giddy with excitement. My husband told me to calm myself. So pretty!

une femme av said...

FRICKIN COOLEST RING EVER!!!! Why are you not keeping this?!

Diamonds in the Library said...

This is a fabulous post! I love Gimmel rings. My mom has one that I've loved since I was a child - I used to play with it and marvel at the teeny tiny hands and how they interlocked every time.

Wildfell Hall said...

god I love these and didn't know at all what they were called nor had seen such beauties.....

Unknown said...

It really awesome... This is the 1st ring that i ever seen. I seriously say that i love it..... But previously in Antique Jewellery collection i saw some similar type of fantastic designs. U have to check it out......

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

This style of ring makes many appearances in history. It was often used as a wedding ring because of the powerful symbolism of the interlocking bands. Bridal Sets rings

Atish Rocks said...

very good jewelry rings design are here, i think we want buy from here.

Anonymous said...

So cool! What kind of couple rings do you like?

Unknown said...

This style of ring makes many appearances in history. swarovski philippines

une ligne said...

Gimmel rings, also known as spinner rings, are fascinating pieces of jewelry with a rotating outer band. They're often decorated with meaningful symbols or inscriptions, adding a personal touch to the design. Gimmel rings are not only stylish but also serve as a symbolic representation of unity and connection. Their unique design and symbolism make them a popular choice for meaningful gifts or personal accessories. FINE RINGS




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