Collection Highlights
Plan of the City of New York
Date:
1776
Object Number:
LIB.NS3.M36.1.3ab
Medium:
Black ink, with pencil additions, on paper backed with paper backed with cloth
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Museum Collections
Decorative Arts
Gimmel ring (chain)
Object Number:
INV.1291
Date:
1600-1800
Medium:
Gold
Dimensions:
overall (extended): 3/8 x 3 3/4 x 1 in. ( 1 x 9.5 x 2.5 cm )
Description:
Gold gimmel fede ring with 5 interlocking bands, a shirt cuffed hand on each end; when assembled, the hands grasp.
Gallery Label:
The term 'fede' is derived from the Italian word for trust; the clasped hands on this ring are a symbol of trust. Rings like this were popular from the 15th-18th centuries and were often given as engagement rings. Often the two bands with the hands were separated, and one worn by each betrothed. They were then joined by a gold or silver smith after the wedding.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
