Yellow gold posy ring. A smoothly conforming yellow gold D-shape band, engraved to the interior in italic script 'vert merits honner', some traces of black enamel intact, approximately 3mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 1.82 grams in weight, maker's mark 'E.G' within a square punchmark, circa 1697-1715, accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was found whilst metal detecting in Grizebeck, Cumbria in 2015. It is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference LANCUM-E1966D; and disclaimed under the Treasure Act, reference 2015:T826.
The maker's mark 'E.G' appears on the Goldsmiths' Hall marks plate of 1682 to 1697. This unusual posy is not listed in the most comprehensive catalogue of posy mottos, see Evans, J., 'English Posies and Posy Rings' and would translate in modern sentiment to something along the lines of 'virtue keeps us forever'.
