No recompence but love

A substantial, buttery high carat gold posy hoop, circa 1700. The ring is inscribed to interior with the posy motto : No recompence but love, [no reward but love]. The archaic spelling is delightfully irregular. There is also a maker’s mark. 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 believed to increase their efficacy. The posy is cited in Evans’ English Posies and Posy Rings. This posy ring is a decent size : P and 1/2 [US 7 and 3/4] and the band is just over 1/8 of an inch wide. In very fine and wearable condition.

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