Southern Russian Jewish Bridal Belt | Brass and Cornelian Stones | 17th–18th Century

Provenance & Ownership History

Acquired by a private collector in 2018 and retained as part of a Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection focused on historical Judaica and ethnographic material. The belt was subsequently offered by Kelso & Company Auctioneers, Guelph, Ontario, in its Antiques and Rarities auction of December 13, 2023, as Lot 512.

Regular price
$2,000.00
Sale price
$2,000.00
Regular price
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.

Questions before acquiring? Additional photographs, condition details, documentation, shipping information or a private viewing are available upon request.
Southern Russian Jewish bridal belt isolated on beige background showcasing stone arrangement
Southern Russian Jewish Bridal Belt | Brass and Cornelian Stones | 17th–18th Century
Front view of ornate brass bridal belt set with orange cornelian stones and bead detailing
Close-up of glossy orange cornelian stones and brass hook fitting on antique bridal belt
Close-up of orange Cornelian gemstones set into an ornate Jewish bridal belt dating to the 17th–18th century.
Detailed view of the pierced brass plates and riveted fittings on a historic Jewish wedding belt from Eastern Europe.
Side view of square pierced brass panels with scrollwork on 17th-century bridal belt
Reverse view of antique brass bridal belt with floral pierced plates on hammered leather
Historic Southern Russian wedding belt displaying repeating geometric brass elements and polished orange Cornelian cabochons.
Close-up of the clasp and decorative metalwork on a 17th–18th century Jewish bridal belt with Cornelian stone embellishments.
High-angle shot of ceremonial Jewish bridal belt showing perforated leather interior lining
Antique dark brass bridal belt with rows of orange-red cornelian stones on white stand
Video of 17th–18th century Southern Russian Jewish bridal belt — heritage and ceremony artifact.
  • Southern Russian Jewish bridal belt isolated on beige background showcasing stone arrangement
  • Southern Russian Jewish Bridal Belt | Brass and Cornelian Stones | 17th–18th Century
  • Front view of ornate brass bridal belt set with orange cornelian stones and bead detailing
  • Close-up of glossy orange cornelian stones and brass hook fitting on antique bridal belt
  • Close-up of orange Cornelian gemstones set into an ornate Jewish bridal belt dating to the 17th–18th century.
  • Detailed view of the pierced brass plates and riveted fittings on a historic Jewish wedding belt from Eastern Europe.
  • Side view of square pierced brass panels with scrollwork on 17th-century bridal belt
  • Reverse view of antique brass bridal belt with floral pierced plates on hammered leather
  • Historic Southern Russian wedding belt displaying repeating geometric brass elements and polished orange Cornelian cabochons.
  • Close-up of the clasp and decorative metalwork on a 17th–18th century Jewish bridal belt with Cornelian stone embellishments.
  • High-angle shot of ceremonial Jewish bridal belt showing perforated leather interior lining
  • Antique dark brass bridal belt with rows of orange-red cornelian stones on white stand
  • Video of 17th–18th century Southern Russian Jewish bridal belt — heritage and ceremony artifact.
Southern Russian Jewish bridal belt isolated on beige background showcasing stone arrangement
Southern Russian Jewish Bridal Belt | Brass and Cornelian Stones | 17th–18th Century
Front view of ornate brass bridal belt set with orange cornelian stones and bead detailing
Close-up of glossy orange cornelian stones and brass hook fitting on antique bridal belt
Close-up of orange Cornelian gemstones set into an ornate Jewish bridal belt dating to the 17th–18th century.
Detailed view of the pierced brass plates and riveted fittings on a historic Jewish wedding belt from Eastern Europe.
Side view of square pierced brass panels with scrollwork on 17th-century bridal belt
Reverse view of antique brass bridal belt with floral pierced plates on hammered leather
Historic Southern Russian wedding belt displaying repeating geometric brass elements and polished orange Cornelian cabochons.
Close-up of the clasp and decorative metalwork on a 17th–18th century Jewish bridal belt with Cornelian stone embellishments.
High-angle shot of ceremonial Jewish bridal belt showing perforated leather interior lining
Antique dark brass bridal belt with rows of orange-red cornelian stones on white stand
Video of 17th–18th century Southern Russian Jewish bridal belt — heritage and ceremony artifact.
Authenticity and secure checkout guarantee

Southern Russian Jewish Bridal Belt | Brass and Cornelian Stones | 17th–18th Century

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Southern Russia, Eastern Europe
Material: Brass with pierced plates, Cornelian stones, riveted fittings
Period: 17th–18th century

Description

This ornate bridal belt, studded with vibrant orange Cornelian gemstones, represents a rare survival of Jewish wedding customs from Southern Russia in the 17th–18th centuries. Weighing heavily and crafted with brass fittings and pierced plates, the belt is not only a striking ornament but also a sacred ceremonial object imbued with spiritual meaning. The fine workmanship and use of semi-precious stones reflect its role as both a protective talisman and a display of family status.

Features

- Rows of orange Cornelian stones, associated with vitality, protection, and fertility

- Heavy brass construction with riveted and pierced plates, showcasing skilled craftsmanship

- Ceremonial wedding use, traditionally tied with the groom’s belt to symbolize unity

- Preserved with visible wear consistent with its age, underscoring authenticity

Cultural Significance

Within Jewish communities of Southern Russia and Eastern Europe, bridal belts carried deep symbolic meaning. They were tied together with the groom’s belt during the marriage ceremony, representing the sacred union of husband and wife. Believed to enhance fertility and ensure prosperity, these belts were cherished family heirlooms, sometimes borrowed when too costly to own.

The use of Cornelian, with its rich orange tones, reflects long-standing associations with healing, vitality, and protection, making this piece a powerful spiritual and cultural artifact.

Condition

Good condition with expected wear and patina; gemstones intact and brass plates showing aged character consistent with a ceremonial object of this age.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 11 in

Age (Approximate)

225–425 years old

Provenance 

Acquired by a private collector in 2018 and retained as part of a Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection focused on historical Judaica and ethnographic material. The belt was subsequently offered by Kelso & Company Auctioneers, Guelph, Ontario, in its Antiques and Rarities auction of December 13, 2023, as Lot 512.

Learn More

View a Bridal Belt from Southern Russia

Discover the History of the Southern Russia Bridal Belt

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Southern Russia, Eastern Europe
Material: Brass with pierced plates, Cornelian stones, riveted fittings
Period: 17th–18th century

Description

This ornate bridal belt, studded with vibrant orange Cornelian gemstones, represents a rare survival of Jewish wedding customs from Southern Russia in the 17th–18th centuries. Weighing heavily and crafted with brass fittings and pierced plates, the belt is not only a striking ornament but also a sacred ceremonial object imbued with spiritual meaning. The fine workmanship and use of semi-precious stones reflect its role as both a protective talisman and a display of family status.

Features

- Rows of orange Cornelian stones, associated with vitality, protection, and fertility

- Heavy brass construction with riveted and pierced plates, showcasing skilled craftsmanship

- Ceremonial wedding use, traditionally tied with the groom’s belt to symbolize unity

- Preserved with visible wear consistent with its age, underscoring authenticity

Cultural Significance

Within Jewish communities of Southern Russia and Eastern Europe, bridal belts carried deep symbolic meaning. They were tied together with the groom’s belt during the marriage ceremony, representing the sacred union of husband and wife. Believed to enhance fertility and ensure prosperity, these belts were cherished family heirlooms, sometimes borrowed when too costly to own.

The use of Cornelian, with its rich orange tones, reflects long-standing associations with healing, vitality, and protection, making this piece a powerful spiritual and cultural artifact.

Condition

Good condition with expected wear and patina; gemstones intact and brass plates showing aged character consistent with a ceremonial object of this age.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 11 in

Age (Approximate)

225–425 years old

Provenance 

Acquired by a private collector in 2018 and retained as part of a Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection focused on historical Judaica and ethnographic material. The belt was subsequently offered by Kelso & Company Auctioneers, Guelph, Ontario, in its Antiques and Rarities auction of December 13, 2023, as Lot 512.

Learn More

View a Bridal Belt from Southern Russia

Discover the History of the Southern Russia Bridal Belt

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