Crafted of delicate gold latticework and inset with two carved blue gems, this betrothal ring dates to the late third or fourth century A.D. Christians in the late Roman empire, like their pagan ancestors, used rings to symbolize the betrothal of a future husband and wife, rather than the marriage itself. A man would present a ring to his fiancée, who would then place it on the third finger of her left hand (which was believed to be directly connected to the heart by a special vein).
This intricate ring—said to have been found in France—is surprisingly small, measuring only a little over half an inch long and about 1 inch in diameter. On the inside of the band (not visible in this photo) is a Latin inscription that reads dulcis vivas, “may you live sweetly.” On the outside of the band is a dark blue and white gem bearing the Greek word eutuchi, “good luck.” Another blue and white gem, set in the bezel, depicts a sailing ship. Ships appear on many early Christian rings; scholars believe the symbol alluded to the endurance of the marital bond through death and into the afterlife, a spiritual journey that is often associated with a voyage by sea.
Crafted of delicate gold latticework and inset with two carved blue gems, this betrothal ring dates to the late third or fourth century A.D. Christians in the late Roman empire, like their pagan ancestors, used rings to symbolize the betrothal of a future husband and wife, rather than the marriage itself. A man would present a ring to his fiancée, who would then place it on the third finger of her left hand (which was believed to be directly connected to the heart by a special vein). This intricate ring—said to have been found in France—is surprisingly small, measuring […]
You have already read your free article for this month. Please join the BAS Library or become an All Access member of BAS to gain full access to this article and so much more.
