A late seventeenth/early eighteenth century posy ring,

yellow gold, the interior engraved in italicised script:

‘The Love of thee is life to me'

Maker's mark 'I.M' in a rectangular reserve.
Size O.
Gauge 4mm.

Posy rings derive their name from the word "posy" or "Poesy" - a derivative
of poetry meaning short rhyme. The rings were popular from the late medieval
period onwards and were used to communicate secret messages of love between the
giver and the recipient. The wearing of words against the skin was believed
to increase their poignancy.

This inscription is not recorded in English Posies and Posy Rings, by Dame Joan Evans,
( London, 1931). The closest inscription is 'The love of the contenteth me' (page 95).

For inscriptions from posy rings previously at Wartski visit
our posy ring message page.