Poison rings silver

Poison rings - the ring with a small poison compartment

Poison rings are rings with a small compartment in which one could conceal not only poison, but also medicine or a small lucky charm. The poison ring has been known since antiquity, then the dark side of rings, and was widespread during the Renaissance. The compartment, which could be opened unnoticed, was often used to mix poison into the drinks or food of victims, thus rendering them harmless. Poison rings were particularly common in the Middle Ages because they were easy to transport and use discreetly. They were often used by kings and nobles to eliminate political rivals. The infamous Borgia clan, which ruled Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries, is said to have used poison rings as a weapon to eliminate its enemies. Another well-known example is the case of Pope Alexander VI, who allegedly killed several of his political rivals by using poison.

Today, this method is hardly ever used anymore. The small poison compartment is used as a simple gag or to carry small, important items. The poison ring remains a quirky piece of jewelry and continues to capture people's imaginations.