The Poesy Ring
‘Two Hands, One Heart, Till Death Do Us Part’
History of Poesy Rings: A Timeless Tradition of Love and Sentiment
Poesy rings are not only beautiful pieces of jewelry but also rich in history and sentimental meaning. Poesy, also spelled posie or posey, is derived from the french word "poesie" meaning small poem. These rings, often adorned with engraved messages of love, loyalty, or devotion, have been a cherished symbol of affection for centuries. But what exactly is a poesy ring, and how did this tradition come to be?
What exactly is a Poesy Ring?
A poesy ring is a type of ring that typically features an inscription of a short poem, verse, or phrase, often expressing romantic love, friendship, or personal sentiment. The word "poesy" comes from the Old French poésie, meaning poetry or verse, and it reflects the literary tradition of engraving meaningful words onto these rings. Unlike more elaborate jewelry, poesy rings are often simple, made of gold, silver, or other metals, with the engraving serving as the centerpiece of the design.
Though these rings were often worn as tokens of love or commitment, they could also serve other purposes, such as family mementos, pledges of loyalty, or symbols of devotion. The appeal of poesy rings lies in their personal, intimate messages—each inscription unique to the wearer and the giver.
Origins
The exact origins of poesy rings are difficult to trace, but they appear to date back to at least the 15th century in Europe, particularly in France and England. During this time, rings were often used to convey symbolic meanings, and the tradition of inscribing rings with words likely grew out of the broader practice of using jewelry as a form of communication.
The practice of engraving verses onto rings was most prominent during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. During these times, poetry held a special place in courtly life, and it was considered a noble art to express one’s feelings through verse. Lovers would often exchange poesy rings as a token of affection, and the rings were sometimes given as part of a courtship ritual or betrothal process.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the trend of poesy rings grew in popularity among the European elite. The rings were especially popular in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and continued to be favored in the centuries that followed. Some historians believe that poesy rings were an essential part of Elizabethan marriage customs, with couples exchanging these rings as part of their wedding vows.
Uses
Poesy rings have been used in a variety of ways throughout history, each serving as a token of deep personal significance. Some of the most common uses were :
Symbols of Love and Romance: The most traditional use of poesy rings was as a gift between lovers. The inscription on the ring would often contain a line of poetry or a short phrase expressing the wearer's love and commitment. Examples of popular inscriptions include lines like "Love me and I will love you" or "Forever yours." These rings were exchanged during courtship or marriage ceremonies and served as lasting reminders of the bond shared between two people.
Marriage and Betrothal: In some cases, poesy rings were used as engagement or wedding rings. They were often chosen for their ability to carry a deeply personal message. The ring’s engraving, sometimes in Latin or another romantic language, would serve as a secret vow or promise between the couple, making the ring a symbol of not just love, but also of marital commitment.
Friendship and Loyalty: Poesy rings were also exchanged as tokens of friendship or loyalty. In these instances, the engravings would often express admiration, respect, or a desire for eternal companionship. This type of poesy ring would typically feature phrases like "True friends are never apart" or "Bound by honor."
Religious or Spiritual Significance: Some poesy rings carried inscriptions with religious or spiritual meaning. These could include quotes from religious texts, prayers, or symbolic phrases expressing faith, devotion, or divine protection. These rings were often worn by people as a reminder of their religious beliefs or as a sign of spiritual dedication.
Memorial or Mourning Rings: Another significant use of poesy rings was as memorial jewelry. These rings were sometimes engraved with commemorative messages in honor of a deceased loved one. The inscription on the ring might contain a line of poetry or a personal message to memorialize the person and keep their memory alive.
The Art of Inscribing: A Personal Touch
The inscription is what makes a poesy ring so personal and meaningful. In many cases, the words were inscribed by hand, often by skilled jewelers or engravers who would carefully etch the chosen phrase into the metal. The engraving could be a full poem, a single line of verse, a short phrase and would also sometimes feature a pictogram inscription as well depending on the preferences of the giver.
During the Renaissance, it was common for the phrases to be written in Latin, French, or even Italian, languages that were associated with high culture and courtly romance. Today, people continue to use poesy rings as a way of personalizing their jewelry—whether through engraved names, dates, or meaningful phrases that hold significance in their relationships. Here are some examples of popular inscriptions over the ages:
"You and I Will Lovers Dye"
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"My Love to Thee Shall Endless Be"
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"My Heart I Bind Where Love I Find"
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"In Thy Sight is my Delight"
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"In Thy Breast my Heart Doth Rest"
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"In Love Abide Till Death Devide"
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"I Rejoyce in my Choice"
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"Humility is the True Nobility"
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"Harbor the Harmless Harte"
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"Feare not Mee, I'le Faithful Bee"
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"En Mi Marie" (To my Husband)
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"Content is a Treasure"
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"Denial is Death"
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“A Loving Wife During Life"
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"After Consent Ever Content"
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As Gold is Pure So Love is Sure
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"As I Deserve so I Desire"
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"Be True in Harte"
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"A True Friends Gift"
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"As I Prove I Wish your Love"
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"Cert A Mon Gre" (Certainly my Choice)
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"You and I Will Lovers Dye" 〰️ "My Love to Thee Shall Endless Be" 〰️ "My Heart I Bind Where Love I Find" 〰️ "In Thy Sight is my Delight" 〰️ "In Thy Breast my Heart Doth Rest" 〰️ "In Love Abide Till Death Devide" 〰️ "I Rejoyce in my Choice" 〰️ "Humility is the True Nobility" 〰️ "Harbor the Harmless Harte" 〰️ "Feare not Mee, I'le Faithful Bee" 〰️ "En Mi Marie" (To my Husband) 〰️ "Content is a Treasure" 〰️ "Denial is Death" 〰️ “A Loving Wife During Life" 〰️ "After Consent Ever Content" 〰️ As Gold is Pure So Love is Sure 〰️ "As I Deserve so I Desire" 〰️ "Be True in Harte" 〰️ "A True Friends Gift" 〰️ "As I Prove I Wish your Love" 〰️ "Cert A Mon Gre" (Certainly my Choice) 〰️
Revival and Modern Popularity
While poesy rings fell out of favor for a time, their popularity has experienced a revival in recent years, making their way into pop culture and literature. In today’s world, many people seek out poesy rings as an alternative to traditional engagement rings, valuing their personal and sentimental nature. Jewelers now offer custom engraving services, allowing individuals to craft their own inscriptions on rings, further personalizing the experience.
A Ring That Speaks Volumes
Poesy rings are more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry—they are intimate expressions of the wearer’s emotions, relationships, and commitments. With their rich history, these rings have transcended time, continuing to captivate us with their elegance and personal meaning. Whether exchanged between lovers, worn in memory of a loved one, or simply cherished as a piece of meaningful jewelry, poesy rings remain timeless symbols of affection and devotion.
So, if you’re seeking a truly unique and personal piece of jewelry, consider the poesy ring—a small yet powerful token of love, loyalty, and sentiment that speaks volumes in just a few carefully chosen words.
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Ashton Berglund
*all photos and information stated are for learning purposes only.
Links used for references:
Berganza
British Museum
Brandt & Son Antiques
Victoria & Albert Museum London