The term
posey comes from the combination of
poem and essay, and a
posey ring is traditional style of ring that is made with a short message imprinted in the metal. Posey rings are typically given as
engagement rings,
wedding rings and tokens of affection between lovers.
Imprinting messages on posey rings date back to the 13th century. Around the 16th century the messages imprinted on posey rings moved to the interior surface of the ring and the messages a
secret between lovers. Most of the inscriptions on a posey ring are traditionally in
Norman French with a mixture of
Latin and
English also used on some examples.
Listed below are some common examples:
INSCRIPTION TRANSLATION
AMOUR VINCIT OM Love conquers all
AMOUR ET CONSTANCE Love and steadfastness
ERUNT DUO IN CAME UNA They shall be two in one flesh
IEME LA BELLE Love is beautiful
IN BONE FAY In good faith
MON COR AVEZ Have my heart
AUTRE NE VUEIL Desire no other
SAUNZ DEPARTIR Without division (all my love
is yours)
NUL AUTRE None other
PRIVATA DI TE MORIO Deprived of thee I shall die
POUR AMOUR … SAY DOVE For love so sweet
SANS MAL DESYR Without evil wish
SEMPER AMEMUS May we love forever
UNE DEZIR One desire