A poesy collection

Three lovely, buttery high carat gold posy rings from a private collection. Posy rings derive their name from the word  ‘poesy’ meaning short rhyme. Such rings attained their greatest popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries and were primarily used to communicate secret messages of love between donor and recipient. The wearing of words against the skin was also believed to increase their efficacy.

The first, circa 1700, is high carat gold and inscribed to interior with posy motto : Forget not he who loveth thee. The ring is size P and 1/2 [US 7 and 3/4] and the hoop is just under 1/4 of an inch wide. It weighs  4.9 grams. The posy motto is cited in Evans’ English Posies and Posy Rings. Evans’ book remains the definitive work on posy rings. It studies their history, has an alphabetical list of posy inscribed rings, and also identifies collections in which extant rings are found and their earliest literary references.
£2000

The second, circa 1680, is high carat gold and inscribed in Italic script : In thee my choice I do rejoice, with maker’s mark TS. Notice the line running along behind the engraved words – for the engraver to keep his motto in a straight line whilst engraving. The ring is size P and 1/2 [US 7 and 3/4] and the hoop is just under 1/4 of an inch wide. It weighs 3.98 grams . This posy motto is also cited in Evans’ publication.
£2000

The third, is high carat gold, circa 1680. It’s motto is : A vertuous wife preservth life, the archaic spelling delightfully irregular. The ring is size N and 1/2 [US 6 and 3/4]. It weighs 4.2 grams. This posy motto is also cited in Evans. The saying ‘a virtuous wife’ comes from the Bible, Proverbs 31.10 in the Old Testament : Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Sold

All three rings are weighty, solid examples in original and immaculate condition.

£2000 each
Item ref : HB2