Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 58

Ring

1500-1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

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'.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Engraved gold
Brief description
Gold posy ring, engraved 'I am yours KS'. England, 1500-1600.
Dimensions
  • Estimated diameter: 1.9cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 02/06/2000 by NH/KB Dimensions checked ('measured') through display glass
Marks and inscriptions
Engraved inside 'I AM YOURS KS'
Gallery label
British Galleries: THREE RINGS
Rings engraved with declarations of love were called posy rings (from 'poesy' meaning poetry). It is frequently not possible to tell which love rings were wedding rings, unless, like two of these rings, they make a direct reference to marriage. Any ring could be a wedding ring, and plain gold bands did not become common until the second half of the 17th century. Interlinking rings are known as gimmel rings (gimmel means twin). They symbolised the joining of two people.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by Dame Joan Evans
Object history
Made in England
Summary
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'.
Collection
Accession number
M.67-1960

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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