Rare Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Zeeland Wedding Band

Rare Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Zeeland Wedding Band

An extraordinary rare antique 18ct yellow gold Zeeland wedding band. This type of wide wedding band is called a "tonnenring" (Dutch for barrel ring) - A typical regional piece of jewellery from Zeeland, the Southern coastal part of the Netherlands where every village had its own specific type of jewellery. Even more, every religion had its own typical distinctive differences in wearing and style.

In the county Walcheren, this ring came into fashion in the second half of the 19th century (1850-1900). A wide gold smooth wedding band, sometimes engraved with a wreath of leaves and the initials of the bride and groom. It was virtually impossible to wear these rings while working so they were only used to show off when going to church or at holidays and festivals.

In pictures from that time, the hands were held in such a position that all the rings would be seen on the picture. Such rings are also described in the book "Streeksieraden in Zeeland" (Dutch for "Regional jewellery in Zeeland") on page 76.

Condition: excellent condition

Period: ca. 1868

Material: 18ct yellow gold

Engraving: W R

Hallmarks: Goldsmith mark for Casper Hackenberg, who worked in Middelburg, Zeeland, Netherlands, between 1868 and 1899. It also bears the Dutch hallmark for the year 1868 and a Dutch hallmark for 18ct gold.

Dimensions: width of band 1,75 cm (0,69 inch)

Weight: 4,60 gram (2,96 dwt)

Ring size Continental: 68 & 21¾ , Size US 12¼ , Size UK: Y

Resizing: This ring cannot be resized because of the way it is made.