A frend at need doth goold exced

A high carat gold ring circa 1650, in the form of two hands clasped around a heart. These symbols signified love and fidelity.  To interior a most unusual posy motto in Italic script : A frend at need doth goold exced [A friend at need does gold exceed] and a maker’s mark DA. The archaic spelling is delightfully irregular. The inference is that friendship is more precious than gold.

This finger ring utilises the fede motif and the use of an inscribed posy, both features of early Post-Medieval finger rings.  Fede refers to the Italian phrase ‘mani in fede’ or ‘hands in faith’, with the symbolism of joined hands representing the unification of the rings giver and receiver. Additionally, posy, or posie, finger rings were a popular style throughout the 16th – 18th centuries. Over this period, inscriptions transitioned from block capitals and gothic font to cursive lower case in the mid-17th century.  The lettering in this example is disjointed cursive lower case which aligns with a 17th century date. It is probable that this ring dates to c.AD 1650, due to the decorative motifs used. The ring was discovered by a metal detectorist and is Treasure Trove. It has been disclaimed under the Treasure Act with Unique ID: KENT-EC39E2. It is size K and 3/4 [US 5 and 1/2] and in very fine and wearable condition.

£2200

Item ref : 1602

The ring on the British Museum Portable Antiquities database