DATE: 18th Century, c.1700
A superb antique posy ring with the words "Let Virtue be thy guide" inscribed on the inner band. It's crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, and dates from around 1700.
Posy Rings (aka posie, poesy, posey) take their name from the old word Poesy, meaning a poem or poetic line, and were often exchanged as betrothal rings from the 15th to 18th centuries - each one personalised with a meaningful verse - or given as gifts or tokens of regard. Early examples typically employed Norman French, with French, Latin and English used in later times.
MEASUREMENTS
Width of band: 2.1mm
WEIGHT
1.1g
MARKS
No marks present, tests as 18k gold
CONDITION
Very good, wear commensurate with age
