A little bit about the history of silverware rings:
Spoon rings are widely thought to have originated in England in the 17th century, when people began to make rings from table flatware. Rumour has it that, servants stole from the masters house to make rings from the cutlery. They couldn’t afford to buy engagement rings. Instead, they would steal a piece of flatware from the big house, and shape into into a ring for a marriage proposal.
It came to symbolise love and commitment and also an element of risk. As much of the cutlery was marked with the family crest or initials of the master, arrests were made and people charged with “stealing a silver spoon” or “larceny by a servant”. It’s the criminal records that allow us to track just how far back the spoon ring goes. It has been said that Robin Hood gave his beloved Maid Marian a ring made from a stolen spoon.
Given his penchant of stealing from the rich to give to the poor, this legend is not too hard to believe and truly romantic. The centuries old Welsh custom of giving “love spoons” that originated in the 15th century shows the symbolic meanings of spoons. Each piece of jewellery is made from an original piece of flatware which shows its date and origin. It may not be perfect but you are wearing a piece of unique history and also recycling.
There is nothing new about the process of re-working silverware into jewellery, and many of us have been inspired over the years by the idea of it, and then it becomes relevant to us when our family begins to pass these long held treasures along.
This workshop is aimed at a fun way to explore this age old idea that maybe has more relevance to us at this time in our lives. Maybe we have inherited some silverware, or maybe we are doing a little reminiscing on some of the treasures we have hidden away and barely see. This is your opportunity to dig out the treasures that have been buried in drawers, boxes, and cupboards for years wondering what you will do with them. Not willing to get rid of them, but also not using and enjoying them they just remain hidden away. It's time to set there story free and to begin to share there history, and the times they were brought out and enjoyed.
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