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18th Century “In unity lets live and die” Posy Ring

$3,200

Sold!

Posy (or poesy) rings derive their name from the Old French word poésie, which means "poetry" or a short poem. They were popular in Shakespeare's time. Hamlet mentions them:

Hamlet: “Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring?”
Ophelia: “’Tis brief, my lord.”
Hamlet: “As woman’s love.”

Because the inscription was on the inside of the band, posy rings carried a sentiment that was intimate - a secret between the giver and the wearer. It's said that people believed the words could penetrate the skin through physical contact. SEXY!

The message was often engraved in Old or Middle English, French, or Latin. Posies were usually exchanged as betrothal rings, and this surviving treasure from around 1780 would make a hell of a wedding band today. Was "In Unity Let's Live and Die" meant to rhyme?

  • Materials

    22k gold (tests)

  • Age

    c. 1780

  • Condition

    Very good - surface wear commensurate with age and use; engraving is faint in places but still legible

  • Size

    8, resizing not recommended; 3.1mm shank

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Stuart

Aboutthe

StuartEra

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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.