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Antique 17th Century 22K Gold “My Vertuous Choice Makes Me Rejoyce” Posy Ring

About the Item

A gold ring, with inscription on the inside of the band, in 22 karat yellow gold. This gorgeous ring is a posy (or poesy) ring, deriving its name from the French ‘poésie’, meaning poem, because of the short messages engraved on the inside of the band. They were often used to communicate a secret message between lovers, or friends, or held a religious message. Rings such as this were popular from the 15th century to the 18th century (1400s to 1700s), with this example likely dating to the 1600s. Posy rings were the forerunner to modern wedding rings. The posy on the inside of this ring reads, “My vertuous choice makes me rejoyce”. The band is a beautiful, warm, buttery yellow gold. It is wonderfully tactile and beautifully smooth from age and wear, a patina that only comes from hundreds of years of love. The band is chunky, high domed and is beautifully tactile. The ring is in very good condition for its age. Wear and tear acquiescent with age. The band measures just under 5mm wide. Gross weight: 6.94g Ring size: due to the width of the band, this ring fits like a UK – N US – 6.75 EU - 53.75 (actual size UK – O.5 US – 7.5 EU - 55.75) Hallmarks: tests as approximately 22 karat gold, or higher (this ring was created before gold standards were introduced, it tests as approximately 22 karat gold, but could be higher), bearing the mark for the London assay office
  • Ring Size:
    6.75 US, Resizable
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    6.9 g
  • Style:
    Jacobean
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    C. 1600s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: REF7621stDibs: LU4056222685952

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