Ring

Although traditional jewellery was worn throughout Sweden, and has a distinct Swedish character, there are marked differences between the different provinces. Skåne province, in the extreme south of Sweden, has the richest tradition, and more jewellery was worn there than in any other district. Almost all the Swedish traditional jewellery at the V&A comes from Skåne.

Swedish rings were usually made of thin sheet silver, often decorated with coloured glass or pendants. They were often given at marriage, but were part of the dowry wealth, not true wedding rings. The bride and groom did not exchange rings in Sweden until the late 19th century.

Rings with tiny pendant ringlets are typical of Lapland, in the extreme north of Sweden, although they were usually made, and often worn, elsewhere. This ring comes from Skåne, in the south. It has a decorative border and repoussé patterns on the front, unlike rings from Lapland, which are usually made of smooth metal. It has the maker's mark NR. There are two traditional silversmiths from Skåne who could have made it: Niklas Ramberg of Lund, active 1803-1847; and Nils Ramberg of Simrishamn, active 1822-1859.