Communal wedding ring

This silver wedding ring made in Poland is a 20th century interpretation of a 17th-18th century ring, encompassing all the symbolism of the Jewish marriage ceremony. The Hebrew words ‘Mazal Tov’ (congratulations) are inscribed on the circular base. On top of the ring is a building with four turrets. The structure opens to reveal a ‘bimah’ with a Torah scroll containing a mark resembling the infinity symbol. The structure contains numerous arches and a pair of hands representing a ‘Cohen’. The portion of the ring with the clasp contains an inscription of the refrain said at weddings, "Kol Sasson V'Simcha Kol Chatan V'Kalah".

It belonged to American-born Marilyn Smith, whose parents and grandparents were from the small village of Suchowola, near Bialystok, Poland. When the Germans were advancing, Marilyn's grandfather, who was involved in the local synagogue, saved the ring and took it with him to America. The ring was passed down to his granddaughter, who added a silver chain to wear it as a necklace.

There is a story around the original use of the ring – that couples too poor to afford their own ring would have borrowed a communal wedding ring during the marriage ceremony. Perhaps this was why it could be so large and elaborate.