Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A late Medieval gold posy ring, circa 1400-1500, of broad flattened cross section, engraved with black letter inscriptions to both the inner and outer surfaces, the external inscription reading ‘MIEU EN VOU” translating as ‘Best in/on you’, and spaced by flowers and foliage within undulating design, the internal inscription reading ‘A BON AM’ translating as ‘For good Love’, the words space by stylised foliate sprays, with traces of white enamel, ring size (leading edge) approximately K. £3,000-£4,000

This ring was found in Burlescombe, Devon on 3 September 2020 whilst metal detecting and is recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, Ref: DEV-1E0134.

Charles Osman states that black letter inscriptions begin to appear in the middle of the fourteenth century and remained in favour until the reign of Henry VIII. (1491-1547). The use of Old French for inscriptions was much in use in the 14th and 15th century rings, but virtually disappeared with the end of black letter. Old French wording fits with the enthusiasm at this period for Heraldry, embracing ideals of courtly love and chivalric values.

Literature: Charles Osman: British Rings 800-1914, 1974, pub. Rowman & Littlefield, see pages 39-41.