Medieval Rings with a Wired Twist

Marriage inspired me to make metal rings resembling medieval engagement rings for my creative project. I made a collection of rings made of metal wire, beads, and stamping inspired by medieval flare. Being particularly influenced by medieval nobility, I learned that rings were made to impress others and that those of higher status had access to finer materials such as gold and gemstones. For my wire rings, I wrapped or braided the wire around most gems to signify a bezel setting which was most popular during this period. The gemstones I selected have similar characteristics to gemstones utilized in true pieces. For example, rubies signify passion and wealth, and sapphires signify nobility and abundance, and were even used to protect the wearer from envy and infidelity. Rings with gemstones were used to display wealth and were presented as engagement rings and gifts to impress suitors. I also curated posey rings influenced by medieval terms of endearment. Like posey rings, stamping and engraving such as monograms became popular because of their personalized touch. I stamped each letter onto a metal sheet to make my rings and moulded them into a ring shape. One ring reads “Fairest of Fair,” which is an homage to the medieval-inspired film A Knight’s Tale, while the other reads “Myn lykyng.” This term of endearment was used to describe someone who brought pleasure and delight. It was also important to me to make my rings in different sizes to promote accessibility, especially since wearers would, and still do, vary in size.

Olivia Gallant