Jewish betrothal ring

Unknown

17th or 19th century · Gold, enamel · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

It is difficult to date and localize the large, ornamented rings that were created for use in synagogues during the wedding ritual. However, there is ample evidence that examples such as this one were exchanged during Italian Jewish weddings. The groom would place it on the bride's finger, but after the ceremony the ring would have been kept as a prized memento by either the family or the temple community. The gable roof—perhaps symbolizing the Temple of Jerusalem—opens to reveal the words "Good Luck."

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th or 19th century

Medium

Gold, enamel

Culture

Eastern European or Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917