Victorian Antique LOVE BIRDS Floral French Fede Betrothal Ring Solid Silver Figural Traditional Engagement Band

ABOUT:
A 19th century / 1800s peasant class betrothal ring with wonderful figural details. This is a departure from my norm in that it is crafted in solid silver instead of gold, but it is special one for its intrinsic value, which is of course higher / more valuable than the cost of materials or melt.

This is a French traditional / regional wedding ring from the peasant class, hand made with the designs somewhat primitive, but with exceptional graphics including the large floral shoulders, the two love birds kissing at the top and the hands clasped in faith at the center. Large footprint on the finger - I love this one in a mixed metal stack with a chunky gold band.

This design goes by many names - the faith ring (or fede ring) or the Promesse (promise) ring, as well as the latin term dextrarium iunctio, meaning “giving, joining of right hands”.

French regional / traditional jewelry is a huge passion of mine and figural pieces are always a delight to find. In France, the engagement ring for most people before 1880 was generally in bronze or in silver without any precious stones, as rings with diamonds were reserved for the aristocracy and upper class.

The French peasant class were the rural agricultural laborers and tenants who made up the vast majority of France's population at the time. So while it's silver fabrication might seem "less valuable" by today's standards, this is a beautiful and uncommon example of the peasant betrothal ring in its correct and appropriate fabrication for the period and its historic background.

I found this one in Paris, it's definitely one of the more complex ones I've ever seen in terms of design as usually just see the handshake or hands holding a heart. It has the French hallmark for solid silver at the back. It also has a 925 stamp which I believe is later than the piece, but still appears quite old.

Antique box / props, mice ; ) etc. not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.

SIZE & MEASUREMENTS:

Size 7 1/2, weight 3.3 grams so it is sturdy for age. Ring face is 14.5mm north south.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

Appropriate patina in the recesses from age to make the design stand out. Surface wear and signs of age to the metal but still super legible.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

SOCIAL:
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All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).

Many of my listings include group shots – I find the comparisons between pieces help show scale, diamond hues, etc. All items in group shots are inventory, but refer to the website to see what items have sold out and to watch for new listings from the grouping to appear on the home page.

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