Namejs Wedding Rings

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When my husband and I were first married we each just had a very basic wedding band.  My husband is from Latvia and they have a ring there called a Namejs ring.  My husband first had one when we were dating but it was stolen.  I always admired that ring and said one day I would like to have one as my wedding ring.

For our 15th anniversary my dear husband surprised me by having a pair of these rings made by a jeweler who was a friend of a friend in Chicago.  They became our new wedding rings and I have not taken mine off since that day.  Although they are very heavy, I hope the pictures show you just how beautiful and intricate these rings are.  The are made of 14K braided gold and then entwined with a much smaller braid around the first.  It reminds me of two hearts entwined with each other and that what makes this design so special to me.

I can't tell you how many jewelers have commented on them, especially when my husband and I come in together and they see that we each have one. 

Of course there is a story behind this ring and I hope you don't mind if I share it with you.  Namejs was the leader and one of the last warriors against the invasion of German crusaders into Latvia at the beginning of the 13th century.  Outnumbered, he was forced to retreat to Lithuania but before leaving, Namejs gave his ring to his son so he would recognize him when he returned.  The German crusaders found out and began searching for the son so that Namejs would surrender.  In order to save their leader and family, copies of this ring were made and most of the Latvian boys and men began wearing this ring. 

To this day this ring identifies one Latvian to another.  I searched for these online in case someone was interested in them and I did find a website that sells them (although at a higher price than what my husband paid).  www.balticshop.com


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My Photos:

Latvian Namejs Ring 14K Gold Latvian Ring Latvian Namejs Ring 14K Gold Latvian Ring Latvian Namejs Ring 14K Gold Latvian Ring Latvian Namejs Ring 14K Gold Latvian Ring
(click to expand images highlighted in orange)


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  1. What an interesting history these rings have Alice. Thank you for sharing it with us. They are lovely, and serve as a reminder that two hearts are bound in love forever.

    1. These sound like great rings, and obviously they mean a lot to you. Great story.

      angie828 on June 13, 2008 22:29

    froggy on June 01, 2008 02:46
  2. Very beautiful rings, so unusual and stylish. Thanks for sharing. :)

    Rancosto on June 01, 2008 03:59
  3. Very lovely rings and what a great story behind the design! Thanks for sharing!

    Akitajitsu on June 01, 2008 05:32
  4. that is a beautiful ring and I love the story behind them.

    Mom2One on June 01, 2008 08:12
  5. How beautiful Alice! I love hearing the reasons that people choose their wedding bands. This one has a history behind the design that was very interesting and makes your rings even that much more special.

    Tink on June 01, 2008 09:26
  6. What an original and beautiful ring. Thanks for the pictures.

    dsnygrl on June 01, 2008 13:55
  7. Very lovely ring and a wonderful anniversary present.

    balentine2 on June 01, 2008 14:29
  8. Thank you for sharing this, I had never heard that before and it really adds meaning to this..very beautiful Alice. xox

    karlawmcdonald on June 01, 2008 16:02
  9. How sweet of your husband to have these made. Very unique and lovely!

    Sparkle333 on June 01, 2008 20:14
  10. Exchanging Rings symbolises the love and devotion among the ring bearers. A wedding ring or engagement ring is a precious metal ring given as a betrothal present.to indicate marital commitment.Such rings are usully worn in the left hand ring finger.

    Tejveer on June 02, 2008 03:28
  11. Beautiful rings--even more beautiful because of the story behind them. My Grandma is married to a man born and raised in Lithuania, I wonder if he has seen these as well. I'll have to ask!

    xshellyx on June 02, 2008 11:28
  12. Very beautiful rings, and wonderful story behind them, thanks for sharing.

    godfrey884 on June 02, 2008 13:21
  13. those rings a adorable. I would sport showing one off if I had it.

    bcylab on June 02, 2008 15:34
  14. What a wonderful story, and what beautiful rings! You and your husband are lucky to have them, but mostly lucky to have each other!

    Laurel1 on June 03, 2008 15:05
  15. Beautiful ring. The pictures are great.

    reneecancun02 on June 05, 2008 08:09
  16. Beautiful! and thanks for the story behind the rings as well.

    rogue34 on June 05, 2008 20:44
  17. Thse are beautiful and I love the story behind it. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.

    autumnleaves on June 08, 2008 01:21
  18. What a beautiful wedding set. Thanks for sharing all the details about this beautiful set.

    becky188 on June 09, 2008 14:06
  19. Very nice ring and a cool story to go along with them. It's nice you were finally be able to get the wedding ring you really wanted.

    allie63078 on June 09, 2008 14:27
  20. Cool story, beautiful ring! I think there are quite a few groups of Baltic peoples in W. Michigan. I know a few anyway, but had not heard this story. Very nice.

    Sharkbytes on June 11, 2008 22:16
  21. Those rings look beautiful and at a great price!

    Maliki2 on June 13, 2008 20:39
  22. i never seen a ring like this before! It's very beautiful! :)

    ooncha on June 15, 2008 20:51
  23. Good pictures and a great background story.

    Mean_Queen on June 19, 2008 21:54
  24. I have to say it again, I LOVE your rings!

    karlawmcdonald on October 01, 2008 21:23
  25. Great backstory to these beautiful rings, Alice!

    cafn8me on January 19, 2009 22:33
  26. What a lovely story with rings to match.

    Karen on March 03, 2009 14:33
  27. Beautiful ring. Love the story. Thanks for sharing!

    bubbacat on May 09, 2009 23:01
  28. so nice.good job.thank you for sharing~~

    weelee on June 21, 2009 20:32
  29. Beautiful ring.... Thanks for the photo...

    Niokotojas on June 26, 2009 10:25
  30. This is indeed a very beautiful ring I must say.I specially love the story behind it, I mean how your hubby got it for you for your anniversary.

    brisk123 on June 26, 2009 18:51

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28
Popularity Score

Overall Rating:

5.0
Type / Name:
14K Gold Latvian Ring
Designer:
Latvian Namejs Ring
Purchased at: Custom Made Price: $500.00 Category: Weddings / Wedding Rings Published: May 31, 2008 17:13
My Experience Level:
5.0
Feature Ratings: Material
5.0
Quality
5.0
Style / Decoration
5.0
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Author Profile:

Alice
Alice
Rank: 2nd
ShareScore: 100%

Gender: Female
Education Level: college
Country: United States
Industry: Manufacturing
Position: Accounting
Income: $40,000.00 - $65,000.00

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