Ancient-Jewellery

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Stuart gold enamel posy ring "I give it thee to thinke on mee"

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Code: 10908



This is a wonderful gold and enamel posy ring, inscribed inside the band with "I giue it thee to thinke on mee". The style of lettering gives us a date of the mid to late 17th century, confirmed also by the makers mark goldsmith "R". The outer band has an even vegetative floral design including palmettes. The palmettes were executed in white while some of the vine designs have small amounts of green enamel adhering possibly indicating a white and green pattern. The inscription on this ring is recorded on a posy prior to 1633 (Evans 1931, 52). The general form of the lettering on this example would, however, suggest a later date with lettering executed as block capitals being earlier and developing through lower case and to cursive and italic during the course of the 17th century. Interestingly another ring by this same maker is in the British Museum, "Many are the stars I see but in my eye no star like thee", it uses the same style of lettering and has an enameled outer band shaped as stars (see AF.1342)  Again this mark ('R') is similar to that found on several rings in the collection of the British Museum (AF.1554 and 1961,1202.421) which are attributed to an unnamed 'Goldsmith R', conservatively thought to be active c.1682-1697.

This is a fabulous early posy ring, of the type gifted by friends and lovers. This ring was originally found near Strood in the Medway and recorded as KENT-6E645C. It was later disclaimed as treasure and acquired from the finder.

OBJECT: Posy Ring

CULTURE:  Stuart

DATE: c. 1650 - 1700

MATERIAL: GOLD 22k +/-

RING SIZE:    3 1/2  (US)     G 1/2  (UK)

SIZE: 16.21mm x 2.85mm 

WEIGHT:  0.97 grams

PROVENANCE:  Originally found near Strood, Medway. Recorded KENT-6E645C. Acquired from the finder.