Nemo felix ante obitum

A most unusual high carat gold posy ring with a motto I have not seen before, circa 1680. Often posy rings contain messages of love, but this one is a little different. The shank is ribbed and it is inscribed to interior with a Latin motto : Nemo felix ante obitum. The figurative meaning of the motto is, before death no one is happy, the implication being that true happiness can only be found in the afterlife.  The ring also has a maker’s mark. It is size N and 1/2 [US 6 and 3/4] and in fine and most wearable condition.

£1750
Item ref : 5362