Georgian carved posy ring 'Nosse Te Ipsum'. A yellow gold D-shape band, ornately carved to the exterior with a repeating pattern of scrolls, inscribed to the interior with the phrase 'NOSSE . TE IPSVM ~ *' in seriffed capitals, translated as 'know thyself', approximately 2.6mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 1.5g in weight, circa 18th century.
The phrase 'know yourself' has its origins in Ancient Greece and was one of the 147 Delphic maxims of how to live a worthy life. This, most famous of the maxims, was inscribed on the forecourt of the temple of Apollo at Delphi and has just as much power of sentiment today as it did many thousand years ago- a reminder to be aware of who you are as a person.
See Evans, J., 'English Posies and Posy Rings', 1931, p.84 for two variations on this posy- both found on signet rings.
