As romantic gestures go, gifting an engraved ring suggests both the permanence of the bond and consideration for the wearer. It also shows a great deal of thought has gone into choosing the right words to say.
Engraved engagement and wedding rings are neither a new fashion nor a fad. As a display of love and affection, engraved rings date back hundreds of years to what was known as a posy ring.
What is a posy ring?
Spellings for posy rings vary – poesie, posie, posey or poesy are all alternatives – the gesture and meaning are the same.
Usually made of simple gold or silver bands, these finger rings are engraved inside the band with short inscriptions of a poetic nature. In fact, the origin of the name comes from the French for poetry, poésie.
While many of these rings were gifts of love, there are also examples of friendship rings and even bereavement rings. Each of them a reminder of a deep and meaningful relationship.
When were posy rings first given as gifts?
Early examples of posy rings have been found across Britain and France, dating back to the 15th century.
Engraving poetry on rings was popular with wealthy romantics throughout the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, with many gifted during courtship or marriage. They were not only engraved with words, many of them included symbols such as hearts and enamelled patterns.
These objects of love and affection have survived for centuries with their mottos of devotion intact. The sentiment behind engraving a metal object was to signify the lasting emotional feelings of the giver, which were hopefully returned by the wearer.
What kind of messages were engraved on posy rings?
Many of the words engraved on the rings were promises of love or fidelity from the ring giver. The most common inscriptions found were variations on “I am yours” or “I love thee.”
Scottish examples of posy rings can be found in the National Museum of Scotland. Some of the inscriptions include:
- “Quhair this I give I wiss to live” a life-long commitment in Scots, discovered on a posy ring in Edinburgh
- “My love like this” was engraved on a gold ring and implies that the love is as precious as the engraved metal
- “Constancie”, a single word promise of loyalty and support on a ring found in Angus
- “I am zorvis” was found on a very old ring and translates as “I am yours.”
Other examples of posy rings mottos include religious words and variations on “Til death do us part”. Some are inscribed in Latin rather than English or Scots, and many of the rings were inscribed in French, which was the language of the court at the time.
What could you have engraved on your wedding ring?
For your wedding or engagement rings, you could create your own sentimental motto or borrow words from Shakespeare’s sonnets or other great poets.
Couples can choose an engraving together and have matching rings. Or rings can be paired with one part of the motto on each ring.
Modern interpretations of a posy ring can be less poetic. Not everyone has a strong grasp of poetry or enjoys old-fashioned language, so here are some alternative ideas for a contemporary posy ring engraving:
- The date you first got together
- Your nicknames for each other
- Song lyrics (about love, obviously)
- The location where you first met in longitude and latitude
- In-jokes that only you two will know
Beyond words
If it is meant as a surprise or as a proposal ring, then some thought needs to go into it, but if you really can’t find the words to express how you feel, there are alternatives.
Rings can be engraved with flora and fauna patterns, or laser cut with fingerprints, or you can outline the horizon of a special place.
What techniques are used to engrave rings?
Engraving techniques have become more accurate and consistent since the posy rings of the 15th century. Thankfully, spelling has become standardised as well, making engravings more legible for wearers.
Hand tooling
Like the goldsmiths and silversmiths who made the original posy rings, hand tooling can still be used to engrave a ring.
Traditional engraving would use a graver, burin or pusher, by tapping it with a hammer or pushing it into malleable metal to create lines and images.
Laser engraving
Fast and accurate, a laser engraving tool can be guided by a computer to create detailed, clear etchings and marks in metal.
Rotary engraving
A fast-spinning handheld tool, often equipped with diamond bits, can be used to cut deep lines into metal. Its versatility means it can work well on curved surfaces, such as rings.
When you do find the words to express how you feel about your partner, future spouse or loved one, consider a posy ring for a wedding band – a unique symbol of enduring love.