Back from an inventory trip to Europe and I am selling an assortment of vintage to antique jewelry and rings which I have hunted for and gathered from around the world.

ABOUT:
I have a strong passion for French antique jewelry, especially pieces like this which are specific to them. Wonderful French traditional antique regional betrothal or engagement ring from the 1800s depicting the fede hands holding a 3D heart with a crowned shape above the heart with five little bead rivets.

This style of ring is called Bague de Foi in French, or "Faith Ring", it also is sometimes called a Big Heart ring. The hands are represented with engraved fingers and have engraved cuff details further out at the shoulders of the ring. The band remains wide all the way around. The hands come together to hold or present the heart. 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. This one came from Paris. It wears as a wide band with beautiful, deep 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. As mentioned, I love French traditional jewelry and have one of these in my own collection that I treasure.

It is a closed back setting in 18k gold with French hallmark and goldsmith stamp on the back. Beautiful glowing gold. 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.

Antique box is not included. Please note the detailed measurements that I always provide, as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures where I am required to show zoomed in detail.

MEASUREMENTS:

Currently measures a size 6 1/4, a little over. The ring face is 15mm top to bottom to give you an idea of scale and the heart stands out about 5mm off the finger. It weighs 2.7 grams.

CONDITION NOTES:

Closed back behind the heart with vacant space between but fortunately this one has no dents. Some nicks and scuffs to the raised heart but no dings. All over surface wear. The edge of the wide shank is a bit blunt from age when you run your finger across it. Despite its age this ring is sturdy enough for 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.

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:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )

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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