English 17th Century - Gold Posy Ring > Lot No. 596

Description:
Circa 17th century AD. A finger ring inscribed internally in letters 'Vertue is the chefest ornament'; the band engraved externally with alternating rosettes and 'z' ornaments.

Measurements:
18.91 mm x 3.05 mm; 1.44 grams; internal diameter 18.78 mm.

Condition:
Very fine, with some very slight distortion to the band. Eminently wearable and easily refinished.

References:
The 's' of 'chefest' is the 'long' variant, similar in appearance to the script 'f'. This particular motto not listed in Evans or Humphreys (although Virtue is a common element in posy ring verses).

Export licence:
No

Estimate: £400 - 500 (EUR 480 - 600; USD 630 - 790)

Auction date: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £900