£2,300
Medieval gold posy ring with a French blackletter inscription 'Je le veul' (I want it/ I wish it) circa 15th century. The exterior of the ring in decorated with three panels of oblique linear engraving interspersed by the three words of the the inscription. Each word is flanked by foliate decoration typical of 15th century inscribed rings. The inscription is in French and is a love motto; quite what the wearer wanted is left to our imagination, but presumably was union with the beloved. French phrases and mottoes were associated with gifts and expressions of love in 15th century England. The small size of the ring may suggest that it belonged to a young person. 17mm x 5mm, 1.5g. Discovered in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire and recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme ref SWYOR-9D7CC4 , Treasure number 2022 T1218.
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