Jacobean Gold Posy Ring "A great neede doth gold exceede"

This is a splendid Jacobean gold posy ring, dating to the early 17th century. the band is inscribed "A f(g)reat neede, doth gould exceede". The style of lettering gives us a date of late Tudor - early Stuart, confirmed also by the outer enameled band (with a dash and dot motif). The inscription has an error to the 'g' of great, cut with a letter 'f'. Inside of the ring bears a makers mark of 'TC' or 'IC' within a rectangular punch (as yet unattributed), likely a London goldsmith.

The ring has an expert repair the band, where the previous join had failed. Such a ring would have been worn as a wedding band, as the English custom. This will make for a unique and historic wedding ring today!

OBJECT: POSY RING

CULTURE:  JACOBEAN (King James Ist period)

DATE: c. 1600 - 1620

MATERIAL: GOLD 22k +/-

RING SIZE:    5  (US)     J 1/2 (UK)

SIZE: 18.16mm x 3.02mm 

WEIGHT:  1.16 grams

PROVENANCE:  Ex C. Verney collection, Ex. private Nottingham collection.