Jesuit rings are among the oldest trinkets of the fur trade. They began as conversion tokens that were given out a rewards for faithful observance of Catholic practices. The Jesuit priests would dole out the rings as prizes for catechism, conversion, etc. The rings were very popular; inded, the proliferation of rings found at historic sites is indicative of the degree of their popularity. Crosses, crucifixes, and hearts were very common, as were the letters IHS. The rings were usually brass, with the image either engraved on the plate. Some rings had their designs cast right onto the plate surface, though this was later, and usually associated with the cheaper rings of the secular trade.

Bruce Nail
January 2002

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