Gold Posy Ring Inscriptions

Posy rings derive their name from the word posy or poesy a derivative of poetry meaning short rhyme.

Gold posy ring inscriptions. Although some of the inscriptions were originated by the donor there were also a number of standard inscriptions which could be bought already engraved on the rings. These rings derived their name from the french word for poem describing the motto on the inside or exterior of the ring. The ring with a lord of the rings style inscription reading in thee my choys i do rejoys is thought to be a 300 year old posy ring traditionally given by lovers in elizabethan times. Posie rings sometimes spelled posy posey or poesy rings are gold finger rings with a short inscription on their surface.

They were popular during the 15th through the 17th centuries in both england and france as lover s gifts. The rings were popular from the late medieval period onwards and were primarily used to communicate secret messages of. Posy rings a ring with a short inscription were the popular ring of the 16th 18th centuries in england and france and a few rare examples can be seen as early as the 14th century. 1600 england the inside of the ring is inscribed i like my choies.

The language used in many early posy rings was norman french with french latin and english used in later times. By the georgian era 1714 1830 37 the inscriptions on the gold bands were used to communicate sentiments of friendship loyalty and of course love. Poesy rings sometimes spelled posie posy or posey are rings with a short inscription on their surface. By the 17th and 18th centuries most poesy rings were used as wedding rings.

Posy ring inscriptions below is a list of inscriptions on posy rings which have been in wartski s stock. 17th century gold posy ring c. In thee my choys i do rejoys which is a typical message found in gold posy rings these posy rings can have a value of between 1 500 4 000 and if it s proven to be more than 300 years old it will be offered to a local museum to acquire. Animals and plants are engraved on the outer hoop and there are traces of white enamel on the hare front and center suggesting it once was brightly colored.

This posy ring dates from the 17th century and was created in either great britain or france by an unknown maker.