Taking their name from the French poésie or poem, "posy rings" bear short, often rhyming, inscriptions and love mottos. Well-established in Tudor and Elizabethan England, they even feature in the plays of William Shakespeare and were favored gifts. The secret message was often concealed inside the hoop, its content known only to the wearer and giver. The intimate contact between the skin and inscription was thought to strengthen the sentiment.
-
Artworks
Posy Ring, "FORGET NOT HE WHO LOVETH THEE"
Posy Ring, "FORGET NOT HE WHO LOVETH THEE"
, England, 18th century Gold
Weight 4.2 gr.; circumference 60.38; US size 9 ½, UK size S 1/4 Read more -
Artworks
Posy Ring, “Be constant and true”
Posy Ring, “Be constant and true”
, late 17th century-early 18th century Gold
Weight 4.7 gr.; circumference 57.65 mm.; US size 8 ¼; UK size Q ½ Read more -
Artworks
Posy Ring, "In thy sight is my delight"
Posy Ring, "In thy sight is my delight"
, mid-18th century Gold
Weight 1.4 gr; circumference 51.8 mm; US size 6; UK size L½ Read more -
Artworks
Posy Ring “As faythfull as frendly”
Posy Ring “As faythfull as frendly”
, early 17th century Gold
Weight 2.1 gr.; Circumference 51.87 mm.; US size 6; UK size M Read more -
Artworks
Posy ring “Hearts United Live Contented”
Posy ring “Hearts United Live Contented”
, England, 17th century Gold
Weight 6.9 gr.: circumference 63.46 mm.: US size 10 1/2; UK size U ½ Read more -
Artworks
Posy Ring “A frend’s gift”
Posy Ring “A frend’s gift”
, England, late 17th-early 18th century Gold, enamel
Weight 1.4 gr; Circumference 44.77 mm; US size 3 1/4; UK size F ¾ Read more -
Artworks
Posy Ring “Be true to me as I to thee”
Posy Ring “Be true to me as I to thee”
, 17th century Gold
Weight: 1.9 gr.; circumference: 57.6 mm.; size: US 8.25, UK Q Read more