Gimmal Ring

 

Excerpt from: William Hone, The Table Book, vol. 2 at cols. 1-6 (1827).

             The Gimmal Ring is an ancient form of the "tool of matrimony," and one found at Horsley-down was exhibited in 1800 at the Society of Antiquaries. Mr. Robert Smith, the possessor of this curious ring, transmitted with it some remarks and descriptions of a nature very interesting to the lovers of archaeology, and the "happy estate," and from thence is derived the following account of this particular ring. . . .

            This ring is constructed, as the name imports, of twin or double hoops, which play one within another, like the links of a chain. Each hoop has one of its sides flat, the other convex, each is twisted once round and each surmounted by a hand, issuing from an embossed fancy-work wrist or sleeve; the hand rising somewhat above the circle and extending in the same direction. The course of the twist, in each hoop is made to correspond with that of its counterpart, so that on bringing together the flat surfaces of the hoops, the latter immediately unite in one ring. On the lower hand, or that of which the palm is uppermost, is represented a heart; and as the hoops close, the hands slide into contact, forming, with their ornamental wrists, a head to the whole. The device thus presents a triple emblem of love, fidelity, and union. . . .

            It is of foreign workmanship, probably French and appears to be of no great antiquity; perhaps about the reign of our queen Elizabeth. . . .

            Rings, it is well known, are of great antiquity; and in the early ages of the world, denoted authority and government. These were communicated symbolically by the delivery of a ring to the person on whom they were meant to be conferred. . . .

            In conformity to this ancient usage . . . the Christian church afterwards adopted the ceremony of the ring in marriage, as a symbol of the authority which the husband gave the wife over his household, and over the "earthly goods" with which he endowed her.

            But the gimmal ring is comparatively of modern date . . . .[W]e are indebted for the design to the ingenious fancies of out Gallic neighbors . . . It must be allowed that the double hoop, each apparently free yet inseparable, both formed of uniting, and complete only in their union, affords a not unapt representation of the married state.

            Among the numerous love-tokens which lovers have presented to their mistresses, in all ages, the ring bears a conspicuous part; . . . .

            From a simple love-token, the gimmal was at length converted into the more serious ring of affiance. The lover putting his finger through one of the hoops, and his mistress hers through the other, were thus, symbolically, yoked together; a yoke which neither could be said wholly to wear, one half being allotted to the other.