Engagement rings have been a symbol of love and commitment for centuries. The style of these rings has evolved over time to reflect the changing cultures and tastes of different societies. During the Middle Ages in Europe, the tradition of giving an engagement ring was just starting to become popular. The style of these rings are very different from what we typically see today. Several of the most common rings seen during the time…

 

Claddagh Rings

A traditional Irish ring is one of the earliest forms of engagement rings. The Claddagh ring features two hands holding a heart, with a crown on the top. The hands symbolize friendship, the heart symbolizes love and the crown symbolizes loyalty. The ring was often passed down from generation to generation and was used as an engagement ring during the medieval period.

 

Posey Rings

During the Middle Ages, posy rings were a popular form of engagement ring. The ring was made of metal, and the band was inscribed with a poem or a love message. These rings were often given as a token of love or as a love message. These sweet, sentimental rings were meant to express the wearer’s feelings for their beloved.

 

Fede Rings

Fede rings were another popular form of engagement ring during the Middle Ages. The ring features two hands clasping each other, symbolizing love and commitment. These rings were often made of gold or silver and were engraved with intricate designs.

 

Gemstone Rings

Gemstones were also used in engagement rings during the Middle Ages. Ruby, emerald and sapphire were the most popular gemstones for engagement rings as they were believed to possess magical powers. The ring would often be set with a single gemstone and the ring was designed to highlight the beauty and rarity of the gem.

 

Engagement rings from the Middle Ages may be considered by some to be much different from those we see today. From Claddagh rings, to Posy rings, Fede rings to gemstone rings—they all were designed to symbolize love, commitment and devotion. While the styles of these rings have changed over the centuries, the sentiment behind them remains the same.

Choose a ring that speaks to you….

XO,

Leslie