Post medieval enamel posy ring '+ MI ♡ IS + YOVRS', circa 17th Century.

Post medieval enamel posy ring '+ MI ♡ IS + YOVRS'. A rare ring, the exterior of the D-shape band intricately engraved with a panelled consisting of a floral design, against a background of black enamel; much of the enamel is now missing, the panels are separated by five scrolling motifs, set transversely so that they interrupt the flat border around each edge, the interior engraved in neat serifed Roman capitals with the inscription '+ MI ♡ IS + YOVRS' (My heart is yours), with traces of black enamel, approximately 3.6mm in width. Tested yellow gold, 1.90 grams in weight, circa 1650-1700.

The enamelled foliate decoration on the exterior can be compared with other posy rings of the 17th century, such as on HAMP-CD6223 (2020T970), SWYOR-4DC98F (2020T632), WILT-765627 (2008T592). The inscription or posy (My Heart Is Yours) is one that is known (with variations) on two others recorded on the PAS database, one of gilded silver (DUR-05020D, 2018T790) and one of gold (SUSS-58B078, 2011T435). The use of a heart shape to replace the word 'heart' in an inscription, is most unusual.