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Jewish Wedding Ring

first half 14th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
A treasure from the long-lost Jewish communities of Europe, this exquisite and rare gold ring, one of three, was used in Jewish weddings. It takes the form of a miniature building, symbolizing the lost Temple of Jerusalem and has a band in the form of the clasped hands of the betrothed couple. Since Jewish law stipulates that wedding rings be smooth and unadorned, such opulent rings were likely used solely for the ceremony, in which remembrance of the Temple played a vital role.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Jewish Wedding Ring
  • Date: first half 14th century
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: 1 7/8 × 1 × 1 in., 0.811oz. (4.8 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm, 23g)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gold
  • Credit Line: Thüringisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie, Weimar
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters