Stock No. 3673	Medieval gold posy ring
	Wonderful Medieval ring made of high grade gold in circa 1450. The ring is hollow cast gold and perfectly plain on the inside. The outside has a very attractive decoration interspersed with a Norman French inscription which probably translates as "Hold fast true".

Condition :-Excellent condition. In spite of its age, the definition of the decoration and inscription is very good indeed
Circa :- 1450
Size :- 0.7 inches (1.8 cms) diameter
This ring was found in England and was probably made in England since the lingua franca of the educated in England was Norman French at that time. The "posy" ring was the most common type of love ring in use since the Middle Ages. The name "posy" was derived from the amatory inscription which this type of ring bears and which is usually in rhyme or "poesy". These rings were widely used in the Middle Ages (but are now hard to find). Posy rings were usually given by both men and women as an expression of regard, friendship, attachment, or even love. The posy ring reached its peak of popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries. The posies on medieval rings were usually inscribed on the outside of the hoop.

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