Collections Online

A silver fede (faith or loyalty) ring

The hoop has three decorative devices – a central square bezel with quatrefoil design slightly more raised than the others, set in line with the hoop, and two flanking quatrefoils, set diagonally to the hoop. The quatrefoil design on the central bezel is formed of an engraved ‘cross’ set diagonally with stamped dots in inter-arm spaces. The band between the devices is of triangular cross-section, divided externally by a central groove running along the apex of the ridge, with narrow matching on the facets. The lower half of the band is undecorated and of flattened D cross-section, and engraved externally with a cross potent, followed by IESVS in Lombardic capitals. Traces of gilding survive in the engraved quatrefoils. The object is a fine example of a religious ring and the three devices may represent the Trinity.
The ring is thirteenth- to early fourteenth century in date.