Spanish Renaissance Betrothal Ring

A beautiful Spanish Renaissance high karat gold betrothal ring dating to the early 17th century, circa 1600.

Crafted in approximately 22K gold, the slender 2mm band bears a posy inscription engraved to the exterior reading “Toma Mi Cora”, an abbreviated form of “Toma mi corazón”; translated as “Take my heart.” Unlike later English posy rings, where inscriptions are typically hidden inside the band, Spanish examples of this period often display the declaration openly; a public statement of private devotion.

The ring is further decorated with two applied and chased motifs: a heart, and a hand holding an arrow. These are direct references to Cupid (Eros), the classical god of love, whose arrow pierces the heart and renders the lover powerless. In the context of a Renaissance betrothal ring, the imagery is overtly amatory; the giver symbolically offers his heart, already struck by love. The small traces of white enamel still visible within the hand would originally have heightened the contrast and brought the motif to life.

Such rings were exchanged as tokens of promise and commitment, their inscriptions and symbols functioning both as romantic declarations and binding pledges.

UK size O, US size 7.25

Weight 2.18 grams

Band width 2mm

A wonderfully evocative Renaissance love token; intimate, poetic, and over four centuries old.