Silver Fede Ring

Fifteenth Century
This wedding ring features a common medieval symbol of fidelity.
Victoria & Albert Museum

Connection to Website Themes

Spousal Power Dyanmics: Made of a very expensive metal, silver, a member of the medieval elite likely owned this ring. Those of lesser means bought fede rings made of less valuable metals.

Community Social Norms: ‘Fede’ is derived from the Italian word for ‘trust’ and indicates that the expectations of marriage placed loyalty and steadfastness at their center. Fede rings were very common in Western Europe throughout the Middle Ages.

Church and State: Although the gift of a ring like this might occur during a wedding ceremony, the vows spoken aloud by the bride and groom made the marriage legitimate in the eyes of the Church.

What is Love: The hands on this ring hold a heart, clearly emphasizing the role of love in a marriage in addition to loyalty.