Victorian Antique Bague de Foi French Regional Ring FEDE Hands 18k GOLD

Firstly, I must apologize for my fingernails! : /
I was grouting tile at my brother's (all 3 bathrooms!) and despite much soaking and scrubbing, I can't get the stains out! 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 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. Rich antique patina to the gold, it has both rosy and buttery highlights like only beautiful patina'd antique 18k gold can do. 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 that has wonderful antique rosy gold highlights under magnification.

Antique box is not included.

MEASUREMENTS:

Currently measures a size 5 3/4 but likely fits closer to a 5 1/2 or so with the closed back of the ring face and wide shank. The ring face is 16.5mm top to bottom to give you an idea of scale. It weighs almost 3.2 grams.

CONDITION NOTES:

All my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. There is an impression / ding to the right side of the heart. That side also has wear to the cuff details where the lined design is not really visible like it is on the other side. This is from organic wear to the 18k gold as this was likely someone's wedding ring that they never took off. Looking at the inside it is possible the ring shank was fortified for this same reason (wear over years and years), as it looks like the ring face is applied over a cigar band. This is seen only on the inside and the shoulders are smoothed appropriately so it may also have just been made that way as the two other rings of this style that I have had in my career also had seams inside the shoulders. 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.

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# C@.92