Thinking About.. Posy Rings
On the good old Instagram I scrolled past this meme. Firstly, I thought the ring was so beautiful. Then I laughed at the joke and then got a bit sad that no one is inscribing beautiful rings for me. So I saved the Instagram post because I liked to look at it, but I kept coming back and thinking about it. As we know, memes aren’t a reliable source of historical information. My mind kept drifting back to this ring and I wondered if it was even a real thing or just a joke. I needed to know more. After some discouraging searching, I finally found out what it was: A posy ring!
WHAT IS A POSY RING?
A posy ring, also spelled posie and poesy, was named after the French word ‘poésie’ which means poem. According to the articles I’ve read, posy rings were made between the 5th and 18th Centuries but were popular in the last half of the Middle Ages. Posy rings were inscribed with quotes and sayings. Many of these were of a religious nature, especially earlier in the centuries when religion was a larger part of daily life.
Towards the latter end of the popularity of posy rings, the messages seem to shift to romantic or affectionate messages. As time went on, messages moved from being displayed on the outside of posy rings to the inside of the rings. Makes sense to me, as the messages moved from religious mottos to personal professions of love the placements of the inscriptions moved from public display to a secret meant only for the wearer.
You can see some wonderful examples of posy rings from the V&A collection here: V&A Posy Ring Collection
Jewelers back in history had certain phrases or quotes that were standard for use in posy rings. This is seen in existing rings, some of which have the same inscriptions. Nothing wrong with a tried and true quote but what I really love is the opportunity to give someone something totally unique! People put unique and special things in posy rings. Things like:
“Two Hands, One Heart, Till Death Us Part”
“Alle My Trvst”
“Not The Value But My Love.”
“Kepe Fayth Teil Dethe”
“Loyalty Not Fear”
“To Thee I Wish Eternall Bliss”
I don’t generally think of myself as a romantic but this idea makes me want to swoon. A special secret message is hidden on the inside of a ring! Absolutely a dreamy thing!
If you want to know more about posy rings I enjoyed this article: The History of Poesy Rings
WHERE IS THIS RING?
So now that we’ve collectively sighed over posy rings back to the one that started it all. Is this ring real? If so where is it? WELL, GOOD NEWS! This ring does exist and is currently in the British Museum’s Collection. The ring was made between the 17th and 18th Centuries and is gold with 16 stars along the outside. Of course, the inscription “Many Are Thee Starrs I See Yet In My Eye No Starr Like Thee” is on the inside.
You can see all the details about this ring as well as explore more posy rings in the British Museum here: British Museum Posy Ring
I WANT IT
As you probably assumed posy rings are mostly in museums or the private collection of very rich individuals. Since they are so old and so lovely this makes complete sense. So, can you get your own ‘original’ posy ring? I’d say most likely not unless you are a museum or a very rich individual. If you’re like me you are probably still dreaming about that gold band with 16 stars. While these aren’t posy rings and do not come with delectable romantic inscriptions these rings are absolutely beautiful and have stars along the outside.
(Side note if you have secretly been in love with me and didn’t know how to express those feelings if you give me a posy ring I will love you forever. Just saying. This is your opportunity)
This gold vermeil band from Havvar Studios has a similar look to the posy ring that started this all off. Bonus, all of Havvar Studio’s pieces are designed and made in Vancouver out of recycled gold and silver. It’s also only $50 CAD so you don’t need to be a Museum or a very rich individual to get one for yourself.
BUY IT HERE: Hevi Stacker Ring
Next is this band in both silver and gold vermeil from Zaleska Jewelry. Vancouver-based Sylvia Tennant designs all the pieces for Zaleska. Their collection is also size-inclusive with rings from a size 4 to a size 12!
BUY IT HERE: The Estrella Band
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little dip into the world of posy rings. I’ll check in when I find another random little thing that strikes my fancy.
Hannah
Want to read more about what I’ve been thinking about? Check it out here: Thinking about Victoria Sponge Cake
