Post-medieval silver posy ring, 16th or 17th century, found by metal detector at Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire. The ring is broken and now appears flat, the hoop with cross-hatched engraving on the exterior, the interior inscribed MY HART IS YOVRS, with small horizontal v-shaped nicks between each word. The exterior decoration may once have contained enamel forming a chequerboard pattern. The inscription was in use by the late 16th century (according to Joan Evans it is recorded in the Harleian manuscript of 1596).
Silver finger ring (posy)
Tudor or Stuart, 16th or 17th century
Found with a metal detector at Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire in 2005
This posy ring is unfortunately broken and now appears flat, with the inscription on the interior reading MY HART IS YOURS, a message written out of a deep love for someone. Posy rings are usually inscribed with mottoes or 'posies', named after the custom of offering flowers with a poem. Posies can range from simple declarations of love, to humble prayers for God's blessings. One can imagine the heartbreak the loss of this ring caused its owner, after it had been given to them by their lover.
