Let heart doe see say it is for love of me

A most unusual fede posy ring circa 1700. The high carat ring is in the form of two hands clasping a heart. To interior a red enamel posy motto in Italic inscription in two sections :

When this w. [presumably for worn], Let     doe see, say it is for love of me.

The archaic spelling is delightfully irregular. The fede ring form of two hands clasping symbolised love or betrothal. The name fede derives from the Latin ‘mani in fede’ [hands clasped in faith]. Posy mottoes derive their name from the word ‘posy’ or ‘poesy’ – a derivative of poetry, meaning short rhyme. They were popular in rings 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 ring is size O and 1/2 [US 7 and 1/4] and a singular example.

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