17th Century Gold Posy Ring

Delightful and substantial early 17th century solid gold posy ring of a very high grade of gold and a pale lemon colour. Circa 1700. The ring has an above average width and a good weight. The exterior is a plain band with a slightly curved shape. The inside of the ring is inscribed:- * I LIKE MY CHOIES oNLY.





The posy ring was the most common type of love ring in use since the Middle Ages. The name posy was derived from the amatory inscription which this type of ring bears and which is usually in rhyme or poesy. These rings were widely used in the Middle Ages (but are now hard to find). Posy rings were usually given by both men and women as an expression of regard, friendship, attachment, or even love. The posy ring reached its peak of popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries. The posies on medieval rings were usually inscribed on the outside of the hoop (which was flat). In later times, they were usually inscribed inside and the hoop was more rounded. By the 17th and 18th centuries, most posy rings were used as wedding rings. Although some of the inscriptions were originated by the donor, there were also a number of standard inscriptions which could be bought already engraved on the rings





0.7 inches (1.8 cm) internal diameter x 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) width