Post Medieval fede ring with posy, circa 1650-1720. A yellow gold fede ring, finely carved to centre with a pair of clasping hands, set above with a heart shape motif, leading to intricate shoulders with ornate cuff detailing with traces of yellow, white and blue enamelling, flowing through to a D-shapeshank, the interior engraved 'To expresse my love'. Tested yellow gold, approximately 1.67 grams in weight, circa 1650-1720.
This is a rare posy, not featured in Dame Joan Evans' book 'English Posies and Posy Rings', 1931, which remains the fullest catalogue of posy mottos ever recorded.
Accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was discovered in 2019 by a metal detector on cultivated land in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK. It is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference GLO-A0BA09, and disclaimed under the Treasure Act 1996, reference 2019T1209.
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.
Post Medieval fede ring with posy, circa 1650-1720.
Post Medieval fede ring with posy, circa 1650-1720. A yellow gold fede ring, finely carved to centre with a pair of clasping hands, set above with a heart shape motif, leading to intricate shoulders with ornate cuff detailing with traces of yellow, white and blue enamelling, flowing through to a D-shape shank, the interior engraved 'To expresse my love'. Tested yellow gold, approximately 1.67 grams in weight, circa 1650-1720.
This is a rare posy, not featured in Dame Joan Evans' book 'English Posies and Posy Rings', 1931, which remains the fullest catalogue of posy mottos ever recorded.
Accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was discovered in 2019 by a metal detector on cultivated land in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK. It is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference GLO-A0BA09, and disclaimed under the Treasure Act 1996, reference 2019T1209.