A mind content cannot repent

A buttery, high carat gold posy hoop with rounded edges, circa 1680 – 1700. The ring is inscribed to interior in enamelled italic script with the posy motto : A mind content cannot repent.  The ring is size N and 1/2 [US 6 and 3/4] and it weighs 4.2 grams. Posy rings derive their name from the word ‘posy’ or ‘poesy’ – a derivative of poetry meaning short rhyme. Such rings were popular from the late medieval period onwards and were primarily used to communicate secret messages of love between donor and recipient. The wearing of words against the skin was also believed to increase their efficacy. The posy motto is cited in Evans’ English Posies and Posy Rings. Most of the posy rings I acquire come from private collections acquired prior to 1970. However this ring was discovered with a metal detector in Lancashire in 2018. It has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities’ Scheme database and disclaimed as Treasure Trove. The ring is in absolutely pristine condition.

£2200