17th century engraved gold posy ring, 'Constancy weth affection.' A rare ring, the exterior of the D-shape band intricately engraved with hearts, tri-lobed floral sprigs and daggers, the interior inscribed with in italic script 'Constancy weth affection', the 'W' is in the form of a crown, approximately 18.8mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 3.54 grams in weight, maker's mark 'R', circa 1700.
See British Museum object number 1961,1202.421 for a posy with a similar maker's mark. It attributed to an unnamed 'Goldsmith R', thought to be active circa 1682-1697. The crown in heraldic terms is in the style of a 'Crown of Nobility'.
To date, there is no recorded example of this posy known, making this piece completely matchless. See Evans, J., 'English Posies and Posy Rings', 1931, for the fullest catalogue of posy mottos recorded.
Accompanied by documentation stating that this piece was found at Brighstone, Isle of Wight in May 2018; reference IOW-807F5B under the portable antiquities scheme disclaimed as Treasure under the Treasure Act, reference 2018 T417.
