Stuart gold posy ring "let our contest be who loves best"

Code: 10861

This is a wonderful late 17th-century gold posy ring, inscribed with "let our contest be who loves best". The style of the lettering fits with other known examples from the 1660's - 1680's bearing traced makers marks. The ring is likely a provincial piece.

Posy rings were given by men and women as an expression of love, worn as a wedding ring or as a means of showing regard and friendship; the inscription on this example indicates this may be a wedding band, and due to the size (internal diameter and width) was probably worn by a gentleman.  

This ring is in good excavated condition, with a few scuffs and dints from its time in the ground. The inscription is rather worn inside the band, so would have been worn for at least a lifetime of one happy couple. The ring is suitable to be worn again today.

OBJECT: Posy Ring

CULTURE: Stuart

DATE: c. 1660 - 1700 A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold 

RING SIZE:  10  (US)      T 1/2  (UK)

SIZE: 21mm x 2mm

WEIGHT: 1.56 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex-private collection, Essex.