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Wedfrugal.com Articles - History of Engagement Rings by Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast
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History of Engagement Rings, Page Three

copyright Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast of WedFrugal.com

Since the "fede" may be the fore-runner to the Claddaugh ring, we'll note a few variations of it through history. The "fede" ring has also been called the faith ring or truth ring. You'll note that I've used both spellings of the Claddagh/Claddaugh ring. Claddagh is the small fishing village that the ring was named after, and is probably the most accurate (but both spellings are very common). Cladagh and Claduh or Claddugh are less common spellings. The Viking example of the "fede" can be seen on the Rings of the Viking Age page mentioned on the "Engagement Ring History Links" page. It has two hands clasped over a heart. The hands cover the heart in this case. Other cultures have had similiar designs (Spain is one of them), and the heart held by two hands (rather than covered by them) was around prior to the Claddagh ring.

As mentioned above, the origins of the Claddagh ring may lie in the design of the Greek "fede" ring. The unique design element of the Claddagh ring is found in the crown above the hands holding the heart. Of course, there are variations on the story of the origin of the Claddagh ring. Some stories seem to suggest that the design is Spanish in origin while others suggest that it has possible Moorish (quick explanation - Arab and/or Berber tribes from northern Africa that conquered Spain, identified with the Barbary Coast in North Africa) design inspiration as a result of it's creator being captured by the Moors. I won't go into the details, but you can find pages with the variations of origins and legends in the "Engagment Ring History Links" section if you are interested.

If you're seeking information specifically on diamond engagement rings, you have to go back in history a bit. The year was 1477 when the first RECORDED diamond engagement ring was given. While 1477 is the first recorded incidence, there may or may not have been instances before this date. It's important to realize the difference as we can only date instances if they have been recorded. Instances that were not recorded can not be dated. Regardless, the Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg gave the ring to Mary of Burgandy. By this date, engagement rings of various types were probably fairly common, while diamond engagement rings were not. The popularity of engagement rings in general, may be a result of Pope Innocent III's order (in the 12th century) that a wedding ring be included in the wedding ceremony. This is the same Pople who also decreed that weddings had to be held in a church.

Next Page

Page One | Page Two | Page Three | Page Four | Engagement Ring History Links

Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

*NOTE 1: Wedding traditions are often speculative. This is why you see a lot of "it is suggested", "may have" and similar statements in my articles on them. While there is usually a basis in fact, the traditions often get embellished. Many wedding traditions are not very old, and are still stated as traditions. I do my best in researching them, and prefer finding the information in antique books. Where this is not possible, I attempt to find at least three sources for the information.

*NOTE 2: Due to the sheer amount of research and time involved, I no longer do interviews based on wedding traditions. I have a full schedule, and wedding traditions are too speculative in nature. This basically means that very few people are experts on wedding traditions, including me. Thank you for your understanding.

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Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

WedFrugal.com
Personal Pages

Owner, WedFrugal.com (February 18, 2001 to present)
The Wedding Frugality Page (now at wedfrugal.com - December 1995 to May 2001)
-former About.com Weddings Guide (October 26, 1997 to April 5, 2001)
-former Wed Net columnist (October 1996 to December 1997)
-Dollar Stretcher contributor (Various Dates)

Copyright, Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast 12/95 to present