Antique Gold Posy Ring, British, 17th century

A friend in need...

Antique Gold Posy Ring, British, 17th century

€ 4,490.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

"A freind at neede doth gould exceede" is written inside this ring - if you need a friend, it says, then he or she cannot be outweighed by gold. The language evokes Shakespeare's English, and the ring was created only shortly after his time. The rhyme runs in italics along the inside of the ring. The ring is a so-called "posy ring". As early as the 15th century, the term "poesy", and a little later "posy", was used for two-liners engraved on the inside of a ring. As a sign of deep connection, they elevated the ring, already the most symbolic of all pieces of jewellery, to a tangible proof of the bond between two people. However, the so-called "posy rings" were not only popular as wedding rings or romantic gifts, but also as gifts of friendship. The ring shown here uses a cursive script that we see used in posy rings, particularly in the late 16th and 17th centuries. The rhyme also helps us with the dating, as the "posies" often originated from collections of models. A ring dated to the 17th century with the same inscription can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, inventory no. 715-1871.. The minimal differences in spelling can be explained by the fact that it was not yet clearly defined at the time. Our ring is exceptionally well preserved. The engraving on the inside is still clearly legible after more than three centuries, and its surface has that deep, velvety matt gold tone that cannot be imitated and can only be found on historical rings in high-carat alloys. This was once a gift between friends. As a collector's item or heartfelt gift, the ring is waiting to adorn another hand with its hidden message. For further reading, we recommend Joan Evans: English posies and posy rings. A catalogue with an introduction, Oxford 1931, repr. London 2012.

Size & Details

A friend in need...

€ 4,490.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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