Gold posy ring 'Chastitie is a Jewell', circa 17th century.

Gold posy ring, 'Chastitie is a Jewell'. The plain D-shaped band engraved to the interior 'Chastitie is a Jewell', approximately 3mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 2.50 grams in weight, circa 17th century.

This ring is inscribed with an unusual message when considering the fact that the majority of posy rings were worn as wedding rings. It is possible that this ring was worn either as a betrothal ring or was a nun's wedding ring on entering the Church.

There is a single recorded example of this motto, found on manuscript 'Harleian MS. 6910', written soon after 1596, which is kept in the British Museum. This manuscript is the earliest and fullest existing list of posies and contains over four hundred heart felt mottoes.