Hail, Poesy
By TwistieOne of my favorite quirks of historical jewelry is the poesy ring. Popular from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century in France and England, these rings were engraved with phrases on the outside where everyone could read them. Later the inscriptions moved to the interior of the band, but I love this particular form of wearing your heart on your…um…finger.
During their heyday, poesy rings were often given as engagement or wedding rings, as well as to symbolize friendship. The poetry was sometimes a bit questionable, but there’s a sincere charm to them that speaks to me. After all, how can anyone resist the sweetness of a sentiment like:
I DID COMMIT NO ACT OF FOLLY
WHEN I MARRIED MY SWEET MOLLY
If I needed to replace my wedding ring for some reason, I would probably want a poesy ring. Luckily, there are some modern sources so I wouldn’t have to figure out how to liberate one from the Victoria and Albert or the Ashmolean museum.
This ring, for instance, says Pulse of My Heart in Gaelic. What is there to say after that?
But if that isn’t a phrase that floats your boat, the same site carries poesy rings in: Hebrew, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and Russian as well. The rings themselves are available in most designs in sterling silver, 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, and platinum. Some designs are also available in 18k gold.
Now, I wonder if I can find a company that will do custom poesy rings so I can get one with that delightful verse in praise of Molly….
May 4th, 2008 at 9:04 am
How funny you mention it! There’s a woman on Etsy who does custom posey rings. I got one for my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day, and the quality and the price can’t be beat!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=57758
May 4th, 2008 at 11:00 am
After MissPinkKate’s comment above, I don’t feel so pressured to find it, but I too know of an online spot that makes custom poesy rings…I just have to remember where it is!
May 4th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Cool, guys! I’ve just always thought poesy rings were delightfully charming. I’m seriously considering getting one just because.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I saw a poesy ring I liked while shopping for wedding bands, but I didn’t like the style–I wanted something rather plain to go with my decorative engagement ring. So we had the motto inscribed inside both our rings: Semper Amemus. It means, “let us love forever.”
May 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I got a gorgeous Todd Reed ring instead of the traditional poesy ring..we inscribed the Gaelic on the inside. I just didn’t want anything to distract from my most precious ring. Plus, it just wouldn’t have looked right next to each other. My ring is gold with rose cut diamonds..i’m so happy with it, you have to see it! http://www.alteredspacegallery.com in the Todd Reed section. But I still wanted some of the tradition in there somewhere..hence the Gaelic inscription “for all days”
May 9th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Wow! I’d never seen Todd Reed’s work before, but I think I just fell in love. As much as I’ve never cared for diamonds, those raw diamond cubes kind of speak to me. And a lot of his work reminds me of Klimt paintings - particularly those cuff bracelets.
Loveroflove, I bet your ring is beyond fabulous! He’s a true artist.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I know what you mean about his rings reminding you of Kimt! I thought the same thing..how funny. I have to say, Twistie..my ring is super fab. I catch myself looking at it all the time. I never thought I would like a piece of jewelry as much as I do.
May 25th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I know the feeling, loveroflove. I fondle my engagement and wedding rings often. They just make me happy. When you’ve been married as long as I have (and even longer!) I hope your ring will still make you this happy.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
WOW, blogs work. I read about Todd Reed on this blog. We looked him up on the website at Altered Space (http://www.alteredspacegallery.com/toddreed) and then went to their gallery in Venice, California. It was the first time both my fiancee and I both loved the rings equally. And the great thing for us is that the gold is 18K recycled (!!!) and his diamonds are all from a mine in Australia and are ethically mined. His rose cut diamonds are also recycled. I never dreamed I would love a ring so much. And, crazy, my mom went with us and bought a ring for herself. So THANKS for the info “loveroflove” - wayyy cool. Erin B.