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18th Century “Let Vertue be a Guide to The” Posy Ring

$2,400

Sold!

Posy rings take their name from the French poésie, or poetry. They became especially popular in Britain from the 16th through 18th centuries as tokens of love, fidelity, and friendship. Often given at a betrothal or wedding, they were a predecessor to the gold wedding rings we know today, but a lot more intimate, IMO. Inside this simple 18th-century gold band is engraved “Let vertue be a guide to the.” The spelling “vertue” and "the" for "thee" is a cute reminder that English spelling was still becoming standardized in this period; variant and old-fashioned spellings lingered into the 18th century, particularly in short inscriptions like these.

  • Materials

    22k gold (tests)

  • Age

    c. 1700

  • Condition

    Good - surface wear commensurate with age and use; mark on the band from a previous resizing or repair which has partially obscured the maker’s mark

  • Size

    7.25, resizing not recommended; 2.6mm shank

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Stuart

Aboutthe

StuartEra

16031714

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.