Love Across Centuries: A Dutch 1670 Claddagh Ring

This high carat gold Claddagh ring, a treasure from the Southern Netherlands circa 1670, is more than a jewel; it's a materialization of enduring love. Its Baroque artistry, resonant with nostalgia and reverence, symbolizes a bond that transcends time. The Claddagh motif, emblematic of affection and fidelity, suggests that the ring once served as a poignant token between two hearts. Now, centuries later, its mystique endures, continuing to tell a tale of love's timeless nature. Admired not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also as a testament to the everlasting power of love, this ring stands as a poignant reminder that true affection, much like art, is eternal.

Antique jewelry object group
ring

Condition
good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
"The Southern Netherlands" refers to the historical term used for the southern region that encompasses present-day Belgium and the southern part of the Netherlands. (Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1831.)
To be more precise, we are contemplating the possibility of a small town in the vicinity of Roermond or Maastricht.

Style
Baroque - Baroque is an artistic style prevalent from the late 16th century to the early 18th century in Europe. It is most often defined as "the dominant style of art in Europe between the Mannerist and Rococo eras, a style characterized by dynamic movement, overt emotion and self-confident rhetoric".
See also: Baroque
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Style specifics
Baroque is a style in art and decoration that developed shortly before 1600 and remained current in Europe until the emergence of the Rococo style c.1730. It was started in Italy, and spread to Germany, Austria, the Low Countries, and Spain and Portugal, with only a somewhat severely classical version being popular in France under Louis XIV. The style was a development of the Renaissance style and is characterized by lively, curved, and exuberant forms, by vigorous movement, and by rich ornament, based on classical sources, being symmetrical as distinguished from the asymmetry of the following Rococo style.

Period
ca. 1670
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Affection and Love - This is what's known as a Claddagh or Fede Ring. The term 'fede ring' is derived from the Italian phrase 'mani in fede,' which translates to 'hands joined in loyalty.' These rings represent affection through the heart, camaraderie through the hands, and allegiance through the crown.

Material
high carat yellow gold (higher alloy than 18K)
more info on precious metals

Extra information
While this ring likely originates from around 1670 and was probably crafted in the Southern Netherlands, its design draws inspiration from the Claddagh style, which has deep Irish origins and is traditionally linked to Claddagh, a coastal village near Galway in Ireland.

Hallmarks
One hallmark showcases a capital 'K' encircled within a standing 5-pointed star, while the other hallmark, in a rectangular shape with truncated corners, bears two capital letters, 'T' and 'B'.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
band width top of ring 1,00 cm (0,39 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
2,20 gram (1,41 dwt)

Ring size Continental EU: 53 & 17 , Size USA: 6¼ , Size UK: M

Resizing
Naturally, it is feasible to resize this ring, but our inclination is to leave it untouched. As individuals who consider ourselves guardians of history for the benefit of future generations, we suggest that the ring's new owner maintains its current state, preserving its historical and artistic significance. While wearing it is certainly an option, we strongly recommend doing so with utmost care and reverence for this venerable jewel, reserving it for truly exceptional occasions.
more info on ring sizes

Adin Reference Nº
23304-0151

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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