Early 18th Century Gold Posy Ring

An early gold posy ring, circa 1700, engraved inside in a flowing italic script “Love is the bond of peace.” Hidden within the band, the inscription would have been known only to the giver and wearer - the original form of a wedding or betrothal ring, and a personal token of love, loyalty, and remembrance.

The phrase “Love is the bond of peace” was a popular one in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, recorded in Love’s Garland: or, Posies for Rings (1674) and found on several surviving examples in museum collections. Rings bearing this same inscription are held in the British Museum (AF.1338 and AF.1339) and the London Museum (62.4/80), as well as the Griffin Collection.

This example is beautifully made, with a rounded D-shaped band and the maker’s mark IW stamped to the interior - the same mark recorded on other English posy rings of the period (British Museum: 1961,1202.195 and AF.1241). Crafted in rich, high-purity gold testing as 21K, it weighs a substantial 5.8 grams and measures 5 mm wide, giving it a solid and reassuring feel on the hand.

Condition: some age-related wear and small dents to the surface, but very solid and entirely wearable - the gentle patina of 300 years of history.

Weight: 5.8g

Gold: Tests as 21K