Expert: Joseph Logue - 8/12/2007

Question
Greetings.

I have just finished watching an excellent BBC production of Elizabeth I.  When she succeeded, a ring was brought to her that she wore until her death, when it was taken from her finger and sent to her successor as proof of her death and his succession.  That was, of course, James I of England.  

When did the custom of using a ring come about, when did it die out, why did it die out, and where is the ring now?  Presumably, that ring was handed down from one monarch to the next for many generations.  At what point did another form of succession replace it?  With Victoria?  Or earlier?  

Many thanks,

Mary Watson

Many thanks for

Answer
Hello Mary,

The ring of which you speak is a fascinating aspect of a monarch's regalia -- it represents a bond with one's people.  If not actually "wedded" to your subjects, it symbolizes a sacred commitment on the part of the sovereign.

For centuries, English kings wore rings that symbolized this.  Often, the rings were embossed to act as a royal signature device, especially in sealing wax.  (Hence, the term "signet ring," which are worn by the Queen's sons on the smallest finger.)  It is probable that the same ring was passed on from monarch to monarch, with modifications and repairs made as time and use necessitated.  Much of the regalia associated with the medieval kings and queens were lost during the Interregnum.  Upon the re-enthronement of Charles II in 1660, new coronation regalia was produced.  Today, the ring is an integral part of the coronation ceremony, along with the scepter, orb, and of course the crown.  I must admit that I do not know exactly when the custom of passing the ring came about, but I would bet it's a fairly ancient tradition, predating English kings, if not England itself.

Thanks for visiting AllExperts, Mary.  Come back soon.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue