Object Description
Post Medieval fede ring with posy, circa 1650-1720. A yellow gold fede ring, finely carved to centre with a pair of clasping hands, set above with a heart shape motif, leading to intricate shoulders with ornate cuff detailing with traces of yellow, white and blue enamelling, flowing through to a D-shape shank, the interior engraved ‘To expresse my love’. Tested yellow gold, approximately 1.67 grams in weight, circa 1650-1720.
This is a rare posy, not featured in Dame Joan Evans’ book ‘English Posies and Posy Rings’, 1931, which remains the fullest catalogue of posy mottos ever recorded.
Accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was discovered in 2019 by a metal detector on cultivated land in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK. It is recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme under reference GLO-A0BA09, and disclaimed under the Treasure Act 1996, reference 2019T1209.