In the solemn days following the passing of a Pope, global attention often turns not only to the rituals of mourning and succession, but to the sacred objects that define papal identity. Among them, the Ring of the Fisherman—or Anulus Piscatoris—stands as a powerful symbol of continuity, spiritual authority, and centuries-old tradition.
More than an artefact, the Fisherman’s Ring is a statement of lineage and leadership. It links each Pope to Saint Peter, the first apostle and fisherman by trade, who was called to shepherd the Church. Crafted uniquely for each Pontiff and ceremonially destroyed upon the end of his reign, it embodies both the weight of divine responsibility and the humility of service.
This article explores the Fisherman’s Ring as a singular example of religious jewellery with ceremonial gravity. In doing so, it bridges papal history, liturgical symbolism, craftsmanship, and comparisons with other legacy rings, providing insight not only for the faithful but also for those passionate about jewellery’s enduring cultural power.
The Fisherman’s Seal: Origins, Function, and Early Form
Before it became a treasured ceremonial artefact, the Fisherman’s Ring served a practical role within the administrative machinery of the Catholic Church. Historically known as the Anulus Piscatoris, this ring began life as a working seal, used to imprint the Pope’s authority onto wax-sealed documents. Its evolution into one of the most iconic pieces of religious jewellery is a journey shaped by theology, craftsmanship, and tradition.
The Saint Peter Connection
The ring’s name isn’t poetic license—it’s a direct tribute to Saint Peter, the apostle who was a fisherman by trade and is considered the first Pope. According to the Gospels (Matthew 4:19), Christ called Peter to become a “fisher of men,” a metaphor that anchored the Church’s early mission of spiritual outreach. This imagery became central to the Church’s identity, and by extension, it found a permanent home in papal jewellery.
The iconography on early Fisherman’s Rings depicted Peter casting his net from a boat, a scene still preserved in most modern interpretations. In this sense, the ring is not simply decorative—it functions as a miniature theological emblem, communicating the spiritual purpose of the papacy through a visual narrative.
Early Documentation and Use
The earliest mention of the Fisherman’s Ring appears in 1265, in a letter from Pope Clement IV to his nephew. He referred to it as the signet ring used to seal personal correspondence—distinct from the more formal bulla, a lead seal used on official papal documents known as Papal Bulls.
By the 15th century, the Fisherman’s Ring had assumed an intermediary role, used to authenticate documents known as papal briefs—official, yet less solemn than Bulls. These were sealed with red wax bearing the now-familiar image of Saint Peter and marked with the Latin phrase sub anulo piscatoris (“under the Fisherman’s Ring”). This practice continued until 1842, when the tradition of wax seals was discontinued in favour of red-ink stamps.
Though the ring no longer serves a bureaucratic purpose, this shift didn’t reduce its importance. On the contrary, it magnified its symbolic value. Freed from practical function, the ring became a pure emblem—a sacred object meant to project authority, continuity, and faith.
The Goldsmith’s Ministry: Craftsmanship and Design
Each Pope receives a bespoke Fisherman’s Ring, crafted only after the election. It is not passed down or recycled. This unique production honours not just the office, but the individual, creating a one-of-a-kind ceremonial jewel. For jewellers, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime commission—akin to crafting a royal crown or coronation sceptre.
Take the ring created for Pope Benedict XVI: it was cast in 35 grams of solid gold, designed by Roman goldsmith Claudio Franchi. The elliptical bezel was inspired by Bernini’s colonnade in Saint Peter’s Square, turning the ring into a micro-architectural marvel. The process involved over 200 preparatory sketches and required eight artisans working for two straight weeks—an act of devotion as much as design.
Franchi described the project as the “highest honour” of his life. The ring, he insisted, was worth more for what it represented than for its raw materials. This sentiment resonates deeply with those who see jewellery as art and symbol—an enduring testament to goldsmithing as sacred craft.
Materials and Meaning
Traditionally, the Fisherman’s Ring is forged from pure gold—its permanence and nobility echoing the spiritual weight of the papal office. However, modern Popes have made stylistic shifts reflecting personal values.
Pope Francis, for instance, selected a ring made of gold-plated silver, based on a 1960s wax model created by artist Enrico Manfrini. The original design, never previously cast, featured Saint Peter holding the keys to heaven—an alternative iconography that underscores his papal authority. Francis’s choice of more modest material was widely interpreted as a reflection of his personal humility and commitment to simplicity.
This variation is significant. In an era when jewellery often signals opulence, the choice of metal becomes moral language. Gold, while traditional, may suggest continuity and grandeur. Silver-gilt, while visually similar, speaks to restraint. In both cases, the Fisherman’s Ring remains a vehicle of expression, both institutional and deeply personal.
The Ring as a Liturgical Jewel: Meaning in Ceremony
The presentation of the Fisherman’s Ring during a papal inauguration is a moment of extraordinary significance. It marks the formal conferral of Petrine authority and, for many, the true beginning of the pontificate.
Historically, the Cardinal Camerlengo placed the ring on the Pope’s finger. In more recent ceremonies, this role has shifted; Pope Benedict XVI received it from the Dean of the College of Cardinals, while Pope Francis’s ring was presented by Cardinal Angelo Sodano. In all cases, the symbolism remains unchanged: the ring is a visible sign of commitment, a binding between the man and the Church.
This moment echoes other ecclesiastical jewellery rituals, such as the giving of the episcopal ring to a new bishop. But the Fisherman’s Ring stands apart in scope and symbolism. While the episcopal ring signifies fidelity to a local diocese, the Fisherman’s Ring binds its wearer to the global Church, as the spiritual heir of Saint Peter himself.
The Baciamano: Reverence in a Gesture
Perhaps the most intimate ceremonial use of the Fisherman’s Ring is the tradition of the baciamano—the kissing of the Pope’s ring. Performed by clergy, laity, and heads of state, this gesture is an outward sign of reverence and loyalty.
Though less common today—Pope Francis has occasionally discouraged it for hygienic reasons—it remains a culturally resonant symbol, particularly within older Catholic traditions. In previous eras, kissing the Pope’s ring granted indulgences, further heightening its religious importance.
Even when not performed, the very possibility of the baciamano reinforces the ring’s significance. It is a bridge between the Pope and the faithful, a physical point of contact with spiritual authority. And for those attuned to jewellery, it’s also a reminder that even the most sacred adornment serves a social and emotional function.
Destruction as Sacrament: The End of the Ring’s Life
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Fisherman’s Ring is its ritual destruction—a practice unlike any other in the jewellery world. Upon the death or resignation of a Pope, the ring is deliberately defaced by the Cardinal Camerlengo in a symbolic act that signifies the end of that papal reign.
In earlier centuries, the ring was struck with a silver hammer—a dramatic gesture meant to prevent forgery during the interregnum. Today, the practice is more symbolic: the ring is scored or engraved with deep lines, rendering the image unusable. This ritual, known as biffatura or rigatura, retains its gravitas while adapting to modern sensibilities.
This is more than just theatre. In jewellery, preservation is usually paramount. But in the case of the Fisherman’s Ring, its destruction is part of its life cycle. Like a relic that must be retired, the ring’s end is a public marker of transition—a closure before the beginning of a new era.
For jewellers and historians alike, this moment reveals how power and craftsmanship intertwine. The ring is not simply worn; it is enacted, bestowed, revered, and finally, retired in ritual.
A Living Symbol in Gold and Silver
To see the Fisherman’s Ring purely as a religious relic would be to miss its broader cultural relevance. It stands at the confluence of jewellery and authority, tradition and identity. Like the crown jewels of a monarchy, it embodies centuries of legitimacy while expressing the individual character of each pontificate.
It also speaks to the continued vitality of sacred adornment. In a secular age, where symbolism is often diluted, the Fisherman’s Ring maintains its power precisely because of its clear iconography, carefully curated materials, and rich ceremonial use.
For collectors and connoisseurs of jewellery, it offers something rare: an object that is handmade, historically unique, spiritually charged, and ritually destroyed. That lifecycle—unlike any other—sets the Fisherman’s Ring apart not just in ecclesiastical tradition, but in the wider history of jewellery.
Echoes Across History: The Fisherman’s Ring in the Jewellery of Power
To appreciate the full impact of the Fisherman’s Ring, one must view it not only as papal regalia but as part of a longer lineage of rings that confer identity, command loyalty, and transmit sacred or sovereign authority. In both form and symbolism, the Anulus Piscatoris resonates with the grand traditions of signet rings, coronation rings, and episcopal jewellery—objects crafted not merely to adorn, but to govern, sanctify, and define legacies.
Coronation Rings: Sovereignty in Stone
Perhaps the most direct parallel lies in coronation rings, often referred to as “the wedding ring of the state.” In British tradition, the Coronation Ring is placed on the monarch’s right hand as a symbol of duty and union with the nation. It is typically set with a single gemstone—usually sapphire or ruby—surrounded by diamonds, combining regal splendour with deep spiritual resonance.
Just as the Fisherman’s Ring affirms the Pope’s commitment to the universal Church, coronation rings seal the monarch’s bond to their people. Both are used in investiture ceremonies, both are symbolic of fidelity, and both tend to remain unused after the reign concludes—either stored with the crown jewels or retired in ceremonial archives.
Yet unlike the coronation ring, which is often designed to endure for generations, the Fisherman’s Ring is made anew for each Pope—and then, at the end, purposefully damaged. This ephemeral nature enhances its emotional and spiritual weight. It reminds the faithful that the office is eternal, but the man is mortal.
Episcopal Rings: Fidelity to a Diocese
Beyond coronations, the most widespread ecclesiastical parallel is the episcopal ring worn by bishops. Given during consecration, it symbolises the bishop’s spiritual marriage to the Church, as well as his role as guardian of doctrine and moral discipline. While often set with amethyst, signifying humility and spiritual clarity, these rings vary in form across cultures and periods.
Unlike the Fisherman’s Ring, episcopal rings are not custom-made for each bishop. However, they do carry substantial personal and symbolic meaning. They serve as everyday reminders of pastoral responsibility and sacred union, and are often passed down within dioceses or treasured as personal relics after a bishop’s death.
Notably, both episcopal and papal rings draw on the tradition of betrothal jewellery—the idea that leadership in the Church is a solemn covenant, not merely an office. The ring seals that covenant. It’s circle, unbroken and eternal, speaks of service, fidelity, and divine trust.
The End of a Ring’s Life: Destruction as Reverence
The ritual destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring stands alone in the world of ceremonial jewellery. While coronation rings are preserved in vaults and episcopal rings often buried with their owners, the Pope’s official ring is intentionally defaced by the Camerlengo following a papal death or resignation. This act is not one of rejection but of ritual conclusion—a formal, public declaration that the ring, like the reign, has reached its end.
Today, this process—called biffatura or rigatura—typically involves scoring the face of the ring with deep cross-hatch marks, rendering the seal unusable. Though less visually dramatic than the historical use of a silver hammer, the gesture retains its force. In a world where jewellery is often viewed as permanent, this tradition affirms that meaning, not metal, gives the object its true weight.
The defaced ring is then usually retained by the Vatican, stored alongside other historic pieces. These broken rings—sacred, silenced, but never discarded—are quiet monuments to eras that have ended, Popes who have passed, and the continuity of a Church that moves forward even as it honours its dead.
Jewellery as Sacred Language: The Broader Context
The Fisherman’s Ring is only the most prominent of a rich tradition of religious rings used within Catholicism. These adornments—always more than aesthetic—function as symbols of spiritual vows, roles, and ranks.
Rings of Profession and Service
In monastic life, nuns may receive a ring upon their final profession, symbolising their mystical marriage to Christ. This tradition, with roots in the 4th century, expresses the nun’s lifelong commitment to a life of chastity and prayer. For many, the profession ring becomes their most treasured possession, worn daily and buried with them in death.
Similarly, abbots and abbesses, as heads of monastic communities, have long received rings signifying authority and spiritual governance. In the Middle Ages, abbots had to receive papal permission to wear rings—proof of their dual identity as humble servants and leaders within their cloistered worlds.
Cardinals, too, are given rings upon elevation, usually engraved with an image of the Crucifixion. These rings distinguish them not just as senior clerics, but as men called to greater sacrifice, closer proximity to the Pope, and readiness to advise or even elect the next Pontiff.
Rosary Rings and Devotional Jewellery
Beyond the clergy, rings play a role in the devotional lives of ordinary Catholics. Rosary rings, for example, allow the faithful to count prayers on a loop of ten raised beads, with a cross symbolising the Our Father. These rings, often made of silver or steel, transform the hand into a moving prayer.
While lacking the grandeur of papal jewellery, they illustrate a key principle: that in Catholicism, jewellery is an active, lived symbol, worn not for status but for sanctification.
A Legacy Ring in the Heart of Hatton Garden
For the audience of Hatton Garden—London’s historic centre of jewellery craftsmanship—the Fisherman’s Ring offers a unique fusion of faith, legacy, and artisanship. It is not a ring one buys or sells, but it is, without question, one of the most important rings in the world.
From a goldsmith’s perspective, its creation is a sacred trust. Each iteration must balance fidelity to tradition with the style of a new pontiff. From a historian’s lens, it is a living timeline of papal reigns. And from a jeweller’s eye, it is a masterpiece of symbolic design—an object whose value lies not in its gold weight, but in its meaning.
For the faithful, the ring serves as a kind of compass. It points toward Saint Peter, the fisherman who became the rock of the Church. It reminds them of their own baptismal mission—to be “fishers of men,” casting nets not for wealth or praise, but for souls and service.
Conclusion: The Anulus Piscatoris as Jewellery of Power and Remembrance
In its quiet grandeur, the Fisherman’s Ring tells the story of continuity, calling, and closure. It begins as molten metal, formed by human hands. It is adorned with ancient iconography and blessed with solemn prayers. It is placed on a single finger, symbolising the binding of one man to a Church that spans continents and centuries.
And when the time comes, it is marked. Not discarded, not erased—but carefully retired. It becomes a relic of reign, a chapter closed, a symbol now historical.
In that arc—from creation to retirement—the ring mirrors all meaningful jewellery: it marks the moments that matter, distils identity into precious metal, and survives to be remembered.
For collectors, jewellers, believers, and historians alike, the Fisherman’s Ring offers a peerless example of how jewellery can transcend aesthetics to become liturgy, legacy, and life.
As the Catholic Church mourns a departed Pope, this sacred ring stands not only as a symbol of his reign but as a lasting tribute to the power of jewellery to carry meaning beyond time.
