Gimmel ring - how it is characterized

The Gimmel engagement ring is easy to recognize - it literally consists of two parts. The name comes from Italian, or actually Latin. Gemelli is Latin for twins. Gimmel was born during the Renaissance, probably in Germany. This wedding ring was given to the bride during the ceremony. There is evidence that gimmele are separated before marriage and halves are put on by brides before marriage. This seems unlikely, as the design of the ring does not allow the elements to separate, and the rich enamel decorations preclude any intervention by the jeweler.

Renaissance Gimmel, XNUMXth century Germany, Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Multi-Piece Ring

Gimel took many forms, not always richly decorated. Often they consisted of more than two elements. The ring below combines two types of rings - it is a detachable gimmel with knots borrowed from the fede ring.

Gimmel, first half of the XNUMXth century.

The next ring, this time combining three types of rings into one. This is Gimmel, Fede's hands are hugging his heart. The heart in the hands is an Irish domain, it was the Irish who created the Claddagh ring, the motif of which is the heart in the crown, which is held in the hands.

Gimmel, turn of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.

Himmels were forgotten at the end of the XNUMXth century, they were large and their only attraction was the ability to disassemble and fold. And it became less attractive than the glitter of stones in the so-called "dark" baroque. However, folding rings still exist today. Thin and tender find their admirers among little girls. Harder ones add masculinity to a man.