Gimmel Rings

Gimmel rings, also called puzzle rings, have been popular for centuries and have been a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings since the 1400s.  Gimmel rings, are distinguished by two or more rings, which come together to form one interlocked ring.  A very common form of the gimmel rings are Fede rings, which are noted by two hands that clasp together.  This particular form of ring is well suited for gimmel rings, as the two hands interlocking together make for a beautiful ring, and carry great symbolism as a wedding or engagement ring. 

Martin Luther and Catherine Bora used an inscribed gimmel ring as part of their wedding ceremony in 1525.  These wonderful rings, which were usually made of two or three pieces, were worn by the bride and groom separately, and sometimes even the third piece was worn by the witness, before they were assembled together on the finger of the bride as a symbol of the wedding union.  This of course assumes that the bride, groom and minister all had the same finger size; so this part of the history of the rings seems somewhat suspect.

The Irish Claddagh ring, one of the most famous types of Fede rings, has been often crafted as Gimmel rings.  This ring usually has the heart and crown interlocking with two other parts of the ring, which have the clasping hands.  The ring interlocks to form two hands clasping over the heart in the center of the bezel; a wonderful symbol of both love and friendship.