Gold black-letter posy ring, ‘MON COEUR AVEZ', England 15th century

A rare gold black-letter posy ring inscribed ‘MON COEUR AVEZ’.

English, 15th century.

Ring size M 1/2 UK / 6.5 US.

The ring is made with a slightly concave hoop and bears the French inscription ‘MON COEUR AVEZ’, which translates to ’You have my heart’ in Gothic black-letter script. Between each word the band is decorated with engraved pansies.

The posy ring bears the inscription in French which during the Middle Ages was the language of the court, signifying that it would have been a high status betrothal jewel.

Provenance: found in Ware, Hertfordshire, before 1997, hence the finder was not obliged to record it with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.