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Mouse's House Antiques

Antique Bague de Foi French Regional Ring FEDE Hands 18k GOLD Folk Victorian Wide Band Big Heart True Love

Antique Bague de Foi French Regional Ring FEDE Hands 18k GOLD Folk Victorian Wide Band Big Heart True Love

Regular price $1,284.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,284.00 USD
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I am selling an assortment of vintage to antique jewelry and rings which I have hunted for and gathered from around the world.

Firstly, I must apologize for my fingernails! : /
I have been grouting tile and gardening! Rest assured, my hands (and all jewelry) are clean! : ). Apparently home improvement and photographing jewelry do not mix but hopefully you can see past it to the beautiful ring : ).

ABOUT:

Rare and wonderful French traditional antique regional betrothal or engagement ring from the 1800s depicting the fede hands holding a 3D heart with a crowned shield shape and 7 rivets arched above representing eternal love and faithfulness 7 days a week.

This style of ring is called Bague de Foi in French, or "Faith Ring", it also is sometimes called Big Heart. The hands are represented with engraved fingers and have faintly engraved cuff details further out at the shoulders of the ring. The band remains wide all the way around. A fede ring is a design of ring in which two hands meet representing love, friendship, engagement, marriage or betrothal. The name fede comes from the Italian phrase "mani in fede" or "hands clasped in faith."

This is an antique piece that I acquired in France from the 1800s early Victorian era. It wears as a wide band with beautiful, deep figural details. These pieces are becoming more and more scarce, as this tradition of rings fell out of use in the early 1900s. Regional, or folk jewelry, is defined by a particular style confined to a particular region. This style of ring was used in the Brittany or Charente region of France in the 1800s as a traditional engagement ring.

It is a closed back setting in 18k gold with French hallmark on the back. Beautiful glowing gold. I love how the heart and rivets rise out from the rest of the band which hugs the finger. It makes a beautiful statement with the large surface area of beautiful buttery gold patina.

Antique box is not included. Please note the detailed measurements that I always provide, as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures where I am required to show zoomed in detail.

MEASUREMENTS:

Currently measures a size 5, almost to 5 1/4. The ring face is 12.5mm top to bottom to give you an idea of scale. It weighs 5.2 grams.

CONDITION NOTES:

All my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Some nicks and scuffs to the raised heart but no dents. All over surface wear. Just slightly out of round, not seen while wearing. Wear to the cuff details where the lined design is not really visible. This is from organic wear to the 18k gold as this was likely someone's wedding ring that they never took off. The edge is a bit blunt from age but it is not uncomfortable to wear and is actually quite sturdy. Despite its age this ring is sturdy enough to handle regular wear. Surface wear commensurate with age to the gold. Sweet piece from a very special era. But due to age, please note this is not a mint condition item.

Please also note that I take some photos / videos in the sunshine because it captures the lovely color and sparkle, but it also highlights any surface wear, scratches, abrasions, buildup or inclusions that can catch the light, making these things appear worse than they would with normal day to day wear. : ) Hopefully the pics in all lightning conditions help as they serve as part of the description.

I enjoy making my customers happy and matching unique pieces with new homes. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! It means a lot to me that you are visiting my shop! : )

Box# tc.1042

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