Also spelled
posy or posey, though the word is derived from '
poetry', not as in '
flowers'.
Rings expressing
love, inscribed on the inside or outside of the band. They were used as
romantic gifts,
betrothal/
engagement rings or
wedding rings, and peaked in popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries in
Europe. These inscriptions were far more popular on betrothal rings than
jewels; the use of
diamonds in engagement rings did not become widespread until the
20th century. Poesy inscriptions are often in
Latin,
Old French,
Old English, or
Hebrew.
Translated/English Examples: For All Days, Encircled with
Love,
Forget Me Not, Here is My
Heart: Guard It Well, You and No Other, All I Refuse and Thee I Choose, My One
Desire,
Love Conquers All, Many Are the
Stars I See But In My Eyes No Star But Thee.
Several online
museum and
jewelry catalogs carry
reproductions.