From the Middle Ages onwards rings bearing a motto or inscription with personal message became ever more popular. Plain gold bands with the name engraved of a loved one or sentimental messages in prose or verse, also known as posy rings were customarily exchanged between friends, relatives and lovers, but also at betrothals and wedding ceremonies. The messages were often concealed inside the hoop and the content only known to the wearer and giver. When worn it was believed the closeness to the skin increased the emotional value and passion. Engraved or in enamel, symbols on the exterior of the hoop, such as here the flowers, would enhance the meaning and the ornamental feature would have had a personal significance for the wearer.

Description:

Gold band with D-section on the exterior of the hoop engraved with flowers (forget-me-nots, carnations, and daisies). The ring was originally enameled, and traces of black enamel remain. Inside the hoop engraved in italic script "Franciscus South miles" (Franciscus South, knight). Also inside the hoop is a punch in shield form with a capital letter “S." probably a maker’s mark, which remains unidentified. The ring is in good wearable condition.

Literature:

The inscription inside the hoop is unusual and possibly refers to the owner or the giver of the ring to a loved one. The name Franciscus South perhaps refers to a knight (or common knight, known as eques auratus in England) recorded in Lincolnshire, England, around the year 1600 and as late as 1625. For a list of posies found on rings, see: Evans, 1931 and Anon., A Garland of Love: A Collection of Posy-Ring Mottoes, London 1907. For general information on the wearing of posy rings, see: Dalton 1912, pp. 174 ff.; Scarisbrick 2007, pp. 74 ff., Taylor and Scarisbrick 1978, and Oman 1974, pp. 39 ff.

R-843