Two Hands, One Heart, Till Death Us Part
The Poesy Ring
Poesy, also spelled posie or posey, is derived from the french word "poesie" meaning small poem. Hundreds of years ago, people were inscribing religious or inspirational quotes on these rings vowing their lifelong commitment.
Poesy rings were popular in the middle ages, extending to the 15th - 17th century. In medieval times, when religion was very much a part of everyday life, it was common for religious text to appear on the rings alongside romantic expressions. In this way, the rings functioned both as a religious talisman and a gift of love.
A lot of the times, mostly in the Medieval period, these rings would have a text and sometimes a skull, engraved around the outside of the ring symbolizing 'death do you part'.
Later these texts were found on the inside of the ring.
Much like personalized jewelry today, the poesy ring provided the wearer and the giver the chance to don something completely different than what anyone else had. They could dictate a saying that was personal to them and the person with whom they were exchanging the ring with.
Much like personalized jewelry today, the poesy ring provided the wearer and the giver the chance to don something completely different than what anyone else had. They could dictate a saying that was personal to them and the person with whom they were exchanging the ring with.
Most of the phrases were written in Latin, Old English or Old French and the lettering was done is a script with capital letters or Gothic script.
"The Vertue Rule Affection" "Not the Value but My Love" "Two Hands,One Heart till Death Us Part"
17th Century , Gold 17th Century , Gold 18th Century , Gold
Other examples of inscriptions are:
"A Loving Wife During Life"
"After Consent Ever Content"
"I Love You"
"As Gold is Pure, So Love is Sure"
"As I deserve so I Desire"
"As I prove I Wish your Love"
"Be true in Harte"
"A True Friends Gift"
"Cert A Mon Gre" (Certainly my Choice)
"Denial is Death"
"Content is a Treasure"
"En Mi Marie" (To my Husband)
"God Made us Two One"
"Feare not Mee, I'le Faithful Bee"
"Feare God Love Thy Choyse"
"Harbor the Harmless Harte"
"Humility is the True Nobility"
"I am Free of God & Thee"
"I Rejoyce in my Choice"
"In Christ and Thee my Comfort Be"
"In Love Abide till Death Devide"
"In Thy Breast my Heart Doth Rest"
"In Thy Sight is my Delight"
"My Heart I Bind Where Love I Find"
"My Love to Thee Shall Endless Be"
"You and I Will Lovers Dye"