For centuries,
Handfasting was practiced in Northern Europe
as a primary stage to marriage
still practiced into modern times.
“Handfasting” is derived from the verb
“to handfast”,
used for making a contract of marriage.
The couple is promised for “a year and a day”
as they hand-festa
(Norse:” to strike a bargain by joining hands”).
The rite varies between practitioners
but usually incorporates the participants
to bind their hands together with ribbon or chord;
a physical extension of promises made and kept.
Handfasting Bracelet
Using a design of two strands creating a combined knot
stronger than the sum of it’s parts.
The bracelets are to be put on during the ceremony
and worn for the “year and a day”;
then cherished as a keepsake when the marriage is preformed.
Many have chosen the bracelets for handfasting
and the rings for the marriage.
The Handfasting Rings
hold the same knot work design
for those people that find the bracelet too cumbersome.
Lovers Knot Ring
I have made another version of the Lovers Knot,
giving it a more “Celtic” feel:
weaving the knot work in to a more intricate design.
Celtic Lovers Knot Ring
If you are looking for a custom piece to be created for you,
I can design a knot work for your Wedding
or Handfasting that would be a “two of a kind” set.
Other Rings may be seen at the
Rings Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin
Amulets by Merlin's Blog 