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Two right hands clasped, a betrothal motif on European rings.
Also known as: Clasped hands ring, Betrothal hands motif
A fede motif is two right hands clasped as in a handshake, used on rings across medieval and early modern Europe as a sign of betrothal or faith pledged — the name comes from the Italian for hands joined in faith. Some examples are made in two halves that separate, others hide a heart beneath the clasped hands. It is the parent tradition of the Claddagh and of several regional forms, and it is the reason a plain clasped-hand ring is a betrothal object rather than a friendship token.
Two hands meeting from opposite sides and gripping one another as in a handshake, drawn across the front of a plain band.
The Claddagh is one of the family's regional forms.