17th Century engravedgoldposy ring, 'Let reason rule affection'. A yellow gold D-shape band, the exterior engraved around the full circumference with a scrolling stylised floral and foliate design, the interior engraved in italic script 'Let reason rule affection', approximately 6.0mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 3.40 grams in weight, maker's mark 'GE' within a rectangular punchmark, circa 1600.
Accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was found in Arlington, East Sussex, UK in 2013. It is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference SUSS-FC7C46; and disclaimed under the Treasure Act 1996, reference 2013 T517.
See Evans, J., 'English Posies and Posy Rings', 1931, for further examples of this posy.
The majority of items can be re-sized free of charge.
Examples of early betrothal rings or ‘love’ rings encompass rings displaying the fede motif (featuring clasped hands) which is symbolic of the marriage ceremony; this was first thought up in the ancient world and saw a renewed interest in the medieval period. Tudor early diamond set betrothal rings are rarely seen, exquisite in design and would have been reserved solely for the highest members of society. The cut of diamond set in these early ‘solitaire’ designs is very different to later fashions- the table cut is the earliest of cuts, and was achieved by grinding off the uppermost point of the octahedral diamond crystal.
Posy rings- a ring with a short inscription, were the popular ring of the 16th-18th centuries in England and France, and a few rare examples can be seen as early as the 14th century. These rings derived their name from the French word for poem, describing the motto on the inside or exterior of the ring. Rings such as these were often used as lover’s tokens, betrothal or wedding rings and are the forerunners of modern wedding bands. The rarest posy rings have ornate engraved exteriors, often with floral decoration, and sometimes also are inlaid with enamel.
Berganza has amassed one of the largest collections of these unusual rings in the world. Today these special and rare rings are highly sought after and very collectible.
17th Century engraved gold posy ring, 'Let reason rule affection', circa 1600.
17th Century engraved gold posy ring, 'Let reason rule affection'. A yellow gold D-shape band, the exterior engraved around the full circumference with a scrolling stylised floral and foliate design, the interior engraved in italic script 'Let reason rule affection', approximately 6.0mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 3.40 grams in weight, maker's mark 'GE' within a rectangular punchmark, circa 1600.
Accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was found in Arlington, East Sussex, UK in 2013. It is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference SUSS-FC7C46; and disclaimed under the Treasure Act 1996, reference 2013 T517.
See Evans, J., 'English Posies and Posy Rings', 1931, for further examples of this posy.