Gimmel Ring

On a recent trip to London, knowing my love for museums, I was escorted to Victoria and Albert and the Bollinger collection. I was in awe. There under its protective glass was the Gimmel Ring and it took my breath away. Part Scots, German and Welch; he said said to me: "forget the past, we have a future". He also thought I should have it on IMVU as a beautiful reminder of our adventures. I made the ring and now share this with you in hopes that one of you as well, might be so lucky to give or be given this ring which holds so much meaning and beauty.


*Public Domain*

Gimmel ring - a traditional ring (from the Latin gemelus, meaning twin) consisting of two or three interlocking bands, much used from medieval times to denote love, friendship or loyalty and often used in marriage ceremonies. This piece of fine jewellery is based on a German design dating from 1575
Two hands grasp an enameled diamond-set heart when the ring is worn, but when the ring is free from the finger, you can see it is actually comprised of three separate rings that rotate open to reveal secret engraving. On the insides of the shank, a portion of the marriage vows reads in German: "My beginning and my end" and "What God has joined together let no man put asunder". Beyond the ring's aesthetic value, this masterpiece is a historically-loaded combination of three styles of old rings: posy, gimmel, and fede rings.
Historically, it is said that two interlocked bands represented man and woman; if there were three bands in the ring, they symbolized man, woman, and God or witness. Gimmel rings were created as far back as the 13th Century and were exchanged as symbols of friendship, love, or marriage. In their simplest form, two plain metal bands are linked. In the 15th century, gimmel rings became more popular and more elaborate, often incorporating sculptural components.
This intricate wedding ring is decorated with symbols of love and quotations from the marriage ceremony. The central motif comes from the Italian mani in fede (hands clasped in faith), which was a popular symbol of love. The three connecting hoops, each with an attached hand or heart, fit together and appear as one band when worn. The inscriptions can only be read when the hoops of the ring are opened out. Such beauty to hold in the palm of your hand.