I first saw one of these intricately filigreed rings on a friend’s finger a decade ago. “It’s a fede sarda,” she said. Someone had brought one back for her from Sardinia. I’ve been trying to find one ever since. Needless to say, this ring was at the top of my Sardinia to-do list when I was there this fall. As soon as we checked into the Su Gologone, an antiques-filled, family-owned property in the mountains of Barbagia, I asked where I could find one. They directed me to the town of Dorgali, about 20 minutes away.
We parked the car and walked around, going in and out of at least five jewelry stores that carry these rings, all made by hand in 18k gold. The word fede means faith or loyalty—which is why they’re typically used as engagement rings—and the filigree technique, resembling lace or flowers, dates back centuries on the island. I finally settled on one from Filigrana Pira—the price was 445 euros, which was established by the weight of the gold, and it came with a certificate and guarantee. They also make them in silver, which are less than 50 euros. Another store, Oreficeria Nieddu, had a great selection, but they were pre-priced (not by their gold weight)—they also had great local textiles from rugs to bath mats! While I’d like you to make the journey yourself, I’m sharing their sites so you can actually order them online, but if you do, please DM me a photo—I’d love to see what you got!
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