Posy Ring History
Sandra Cronan has long been a passionate collector of early sentimental jewellery, especially of "love" rings, dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The earliest of these, some dating even from the 16th century, are the plain burnished and round gold bands, known as "Posy" rings, from the word "poesie", inscribed on the inside with an amatory saying or motto, and given as tokens of love. The custom of decorating and inscribing rings with poetic sayings, often in French, along with symbols of love, continued through the 19th century, some more decorative, some offering cryptic, secret messages, while classic, slim early 19th century bands were enamelled and inscribed in gold, on the outside of the ring. Rare, ravishing and sought-after by collectors, these are jewels as the currency of love, enduring expressions of affection and emotion.
Now Sandra Cronan has recreated a select group of four of her favourite rings, evolutions of the classic Posy ring, reviving the custom of jewelled messages; showing the ring itself as a never-ending circle symbolising everlasting love.
These four circles of love, hand-made in England to the most exacting standards, by the finest goldsmiths, all perfectly capture the charm of the originals: Sleek and simple gold and enamel bands, in authentic deep red and blue, or a choice of made-to-order antique-inspired colours, recalling Regency rings, are circled with the sayings, "Aime-moi comme je'taime" and "Amitie a jamais". (Love me as I love you, and Love Forever)
A superbly chamfered ribbon-shaped ring, in soft and rich rippling gold, is ornamented on the outside with stylised turquoise forget-me-nots, and inscribed on the inside, "Forget me Not". The last, and most elaborate, is a fine, scrolled band of gold, enamelled in white, and set with four old-cut diamonds, separating the words, in gold, "Plus que la Vie", More than Life.
The rings will be made in limited numbers, and can be ordered in different colours of enamels and a choice of sizes. Prices from £880.