They can be as simple as strips of ribbon, or as elegant as a ornamental ring with studded jewels, made from silver, gold, porcelain, bamboo, glass, paper, fibre and so on. They are being used in silver service to bind a serviette or Cloth napkin to hold its folded shape and to make it more attractively present.
Napkin rings in history
Originally known as a Serviette Ring, its origins are thought to be in France in the early 1800s. Napkin rings are an invention of the European bourgeoisie, and soon spreading to all countries in the western world. Most 19th century napkin rings were made of silver or silver plate. According to an article by Anita Gold from the Chicago Tribune, in 1987, in the Ocala Star Banner, relates that the napkin ring was a personal item for keeping napkins separated from the rest.
The figural napkin ring is an American speciality in which the simple napkin ring is part of a small figure or sculpture that may take any shape and show any motif. Napkin rings appear as single items with the name or initials of the owner, notably given as christening presents, or pairs often given as gifts at weddings and silver weddings. Thus, it is also known as Christening bangle.
English rings are especially interesting because they are stamped with their date of manufacture and the city where they were made (usually Birmingham, London, Chester, or Sheffield).
« Back to Glossary Index
