History of the Knot

The knot has been around for a while, and has been used for sailing, weddings, and protection.  Sailor knots have been used for tying up boats or controlling sails. The sailors would weave rope mementos for their loved ones during long voyages.  For them, the knots symbolized an unbreakable bond between sailors, their ships and the loved ones back home.

In a Scottish tradition called "handfasting", hands were tied during the wedding ceremony.  If you are an Outlander fan then you will know about "handfasting" 

In African cultures grass knots intertwined families.  For the Egyptians, the knot was a symbol of protection and eternity. And, of course, I am sure we all know the expression "tying the knot".

When I first started making jewelry I struggled with what to make, as many jewelry artist do. My skill level was also not what it is today and therefore my design options were limited. Being new to jewelry making I didn't realize how many knot rings were out there, but man, there are quite a few. I found a book on sailors knots and tried to create a square knot with silver wire. If you have been following me for a while you know how much I like substantial chunky rings so I wanted my knot ring to be substantial, because most knot rings you find online today are made with thin gauges. I wanted or at least tried to have my knot ring stand out in the sea of knot rings. 

I also wanted to make a knot ring that was my own creation. Here is a little back story to my "Double Knot Ring Design"

To this day my son Andrea and I argue over who created the double knot ring, however in a friendly kind of arguing way. My son studied goldsmithing for five years in Italy, so he has learned a good foundation for jewelry making, and I had just started my jewelry career while he was still at school. I was trying to create a knot design that was unique and different from all the other knot rings out there. The wires have to be intertwined in a certain way and then forged to created the knot design you see above. He did help me figure out a way to intertwine the wires so they would nestle together but of course I took the forging to the next level, lol. Yes, we tend to be competitive at the bench. 

Of course, I then went on to create the "Triple Knot" because you know me, I love chunky rings. Fast forward to today, I still make knot rings and I am still very happy they continue to be popular. I always wonder how many of my knot rings are out there?  Many lovely customers have even purchased these knot rings as an alternative to the traditional wedding rings. These were kind of the first pieces that I created and made me realize, yes! I can be a jewelry maker!

Today,  jewelry continues to embrace personal and unique symbolism like the knot rings. The lover’s knot ring remains a stunning representation of both tradition and meaning. With a rich history symbolizing unbreakable love and devotion, it holds the same or similar significance today as it did in ancient Greek and Victorian times. Whether admired for its beauty or cherished for the story it carries, the lover’s knot ring is a timeless tribute to love in all its forms. Laura