The 18th Century 'We Rest Content' Posy Ring

This gold D-section annular band with plain exterior, has the inscription to its internal face: 'We rest Content' in cursive script. See the British Museum, museum number 1961,1202.92, for a ring of similar style with similar inscription content and script-'With one Consent wee rest Content', dated 17th-18th century AD, donated by Dame Joan Evans; or see Evans, J., English Posies and Posy Rings, OUP, London, 1931, p.110, for the BM's example.

'Posy' is derived from 'poesy' or 'poetry'. In the medieval period many rings bore posy inscriptions in Latin or French, the languages frequently spoken by the affluent elites. Later, inscriptions in English became more usual, although the lack of standardised spelling might surprise a modern reader. The inscription is generally found on the interior of the ring, hidden to everyone except the wearer and most of the sentimental mottoes were taken from the popular literature of the time. In fact, love inscriptions often repeat each other.

In the later 16th century, 'posy' specifically meant a short inscription. A posy is described in contemporary literature as a short 'epigram' of less than one verse. The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the 16th century onwards, and continued until the late 18th century. Joan Evans assumed that posy rings were principally used by/between lovers and distinguished four contexts for the giving of posy rings by one lover to another: betrothals, weddings, St Valentine's Day and sometimes on occasions of mourning. 

There is some usual wear commensurate with the ring's age to the band. 4.53 grams, 20.10mm overall, 17.72mm internal diameter.

Size: O½ UK/AU, 7¼ US/CA, 55½ FR/RU, 17½ DE

Provenance: Acquired from an established BNTA and AIAA registered ancient art dealer. Formerly from the Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK; acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985.

Important Notes: This item is excluded from our Free Resizing service. As an ancient artefact we will not alter it.