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Ring
unknown - Enlarge image
Ring
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
1500-1600 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Engraved gold
- Credit Line:
Given by Dame Joan Evans
- Museum number:
M.67-1960
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 58c, case 5
Object Type
This gold love ring is engraved on the outside with sprigs and on the inside with an inscription in in floriated (flowery) capitals: 'I AM YOURS KS'.
Ownership & Use
By 1430 love rings engraved with inscriptions were known as 'posies' (from 'poesy' or poetry). In the 13th and 14th centuries the language of the posy was usually French, but from the 15th century English became increasingly common. Rings were given on many occasions. They often seem to have been declarations of love, rather than formal betrothal or marriage rings.
With many posy rings, it is reasonable to suppose that the initials after the declaration of love were those of an ardent lover. In this case the initials are 'KS', which are also found on another posy ring, accompanied by an identical declaration of love. This seems a considerable coincidence. Although no proof can be produced to support it, the inscription on these two rings, 'KS', may stand for 'Kiss' or 'Kisses'.
