Vintage 1940s sterling silver gimmel clasped hands ring with hidden hear

A ca. 1940s triple-band gimmel ring with clasped hands around a heart in the fede style. This style of ring is called a gimmel ring because of the interlocking "twin" (from "gemellus" in Latin) parts. It can also be called a fede ring when it features the clasped hands, an ancient symbol of good faith and trust. This style of ring has a rich, long history. Beautiful examples of gimmel rings from the 1500s-1800s can be found in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, for example. Gimmel rings were often used as a wedding rings because of the powerful symbolism of the interlocking bands.