Extraordinary Claddagh or Fede engagement ring from the 17th Century

Dating back from around 1630, this 18K yellow gold ring -called a Claddagh or Fede ring- is truly a present from history and tales. Two hands offer friendship by reaching out a heart which is bulging -or better bursting- from love through the gleam of a foil-set rose cut diamond. To seal this bond with loyalty, a crown with three rose cut diamonds in a foilsetting guides the heart vertically around your finger. Looking at the untouched black enamel on the sleeves behind the gold hands, this precious jewel proves to stand the test of time. As should the union between the two loved ones who share this treasure.

To find a more genuine relic is nearly impossible as it seems that only the GIA museum has got one other example of a Claddagh ring in this specific design from the 17th century. Having this jewellery piece in your possession, it is definitely more of an honour than a hazard to preserve and even wear this rare fragment of history.

An almost identical item from a private collection can be found in the book titled “Rings: Jewelry of power, love and loyalty” by Diana Scarisbrick, Thames & Hudson Ltd London 2007, and in the book titled “Rings: Symbols of wealth, power and affection” by Diana Scarisbrick, Thames and Hudson Ltd London 1993. (See pictures)

The astonishing resemblance between the catalogued rings and this exceptional ring confirms once more the remarkable age of this ring and the miracle of its well-guarded travel through time.

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring)

Condition: excellent condition, especially regarding the age of the ring
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: unknown

Period: ca. 1630
  -   (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Source of inspiration: Love and romance

Theme: Two hands holding a crowned heart, which is called a Claddagh or a Fede ring.

Material: 18K yellow gold
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Technique: Enamelling is an old and widely-adopted technology. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese also used enameling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the High German word smelzan (to smelt) via the Old French esmail. Used as a noun, "an enamel" is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlevé or a cloisonné (different techniques).

Extra information: Foil set rose cut diamonds - The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality. Romantic sellers would say that this is done so that the stones will sparkle beautifully in candlelight.

Extra information: Claddagh or Fede ring - The term 'fede ring' comes from the Italian phrase 'mani in fede', which means 'hands joined in loyalty'. These type of rings represents love through the heart, friendship through the hands and loyalty through the crown. The term 'Claddagh' finds its origin in the Irish town of Claddagh, where these rings are being produced since at least 1700.

Diamond(s): Four rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
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Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: the length of the top measures 12,50 mm (0.49 inch)

Weight: 3,80 gram (2,44 dwt)

Ring size Continental: 52 & 16½ , Size US 6 , Size UK: L

Resizing: Free resizing, but because of the the way the ring is made, we cannot guarantee to make it on every size; so please ask in advance (only for extreme resizing we have to charge).
  -  (more info on ring sizes)

Reference Nº: 16271-0089

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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