Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A 16th century gold posy ring, the exterior chased with nautilus shells and six petal flowerhead, the interior inscribed in Roman capitals ‘In silenc and in hope’ (sic), ring size H. £1,500-£2,000

This ring was discovered by the finder in October 2017. It has been disclaimed as treasure and is recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, ref: ESS-1C413B.

This unusual posy is not recorded in Joan Evan’s reference work ‘Posy rings’. It is possible taken from the Douay-Rheims bible, Isiah 30:15 - “For thus saith the Lord God the Holy One of Israel: If you return and be quiet, you shall be saved: in silence and in hope shall your strength be.” The Douay-Rheims Bible was a English translation of the Latin Vugate for the Catholic Church. The Old Testament being published in 1610.