The origin of gimmel rings (also known as gimmal or puzzle
rings) is not certain, but they began to appear in the 1600s with designs like
clasped hands incorporated into interlocking rings. If a third ring was
added to the puzzle, it often bore a heart which fit into the clasped hands, very similar to
Ireland's claddagh ring. However, gimmel rings were most popular in Germany and
England in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Lore behind gimmel rings
The lore surrounding the ring is that in ancient times, a Turkish nobleman who loved his wife very much wanted to be sure she remained true to him while he was away. He asked the local jeweler to fashion a puzzle ring that would fall apart if it was removed,. It is said he gave her the ring but wouldn't tell her the solution. For this reason, this puzzle ring is also known as a Turkish wedding band even though the Turkish people don't wear puzzle rings as a wedding ring.
The lore surrounding the ring is that in ancient times, a Turkish nobleman who loved his wife very much wanted to be sure she remained true to him while he was away. He asked the local jeweler to fashion a puzzle ring that would fall apart if it was removed,. It is said he gave her the ring but wouldn't tell her the solution. For this reason, this puzzle ring is also known as a Turkish wedding band even though the Turkish people don't wear puzzle rings as a wedding ring.
Heart-shaped gemstones were often incorporated in the design
and split between two rings so when the two rings were joined they formed a complete
heart. Apart, the two rings allowed the bride and groom to each wear a piece of
the other's heart, until they were wed. Gemstones were also fashioned in a
variety of traditional gemstone cuts, but simpler ring designs were also
popular and bore engravings. For instance, Martin Luther wore a gimmel ring in
his engagement to Catherine Bora in 1525. It read,
"Whom God has joined together, Let no man put asunder."
Gimmel rings created by two interlocking rings provided a
ring for bride and one for the groom as a sign that they were betrothed. When
they took their vows they fit the two rings together to form a wedding band for
the new bride.
Some rings were made up of three interlocking rings. In that
case, one was worn by the bride, one by the groom, and the third by a witness –
what we'd call a best man today. When a witness was involved, it became more
than an engagement. It represented a contract. The witness would be present
when the wedding vows were exchanged and then all three rings were joined to
form a wedding band for the bride to wear.
Over the last few years, the puzzle ring has re-surged in
popularity in North America and is even available as four interlocking bands.
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Photo credits: amazon