In 16th and 17th century England or France a wedding ring would invariably be inscribed with a sentiment of love, faith and hope, a short love poem or poesy. A sterling silver betrothal ring would often be replaced with the same poesy ring in gold on marriage.
Amor vincit omnia, meaning love conquers all is one of the most popular inscriptions: whether as wedding bands, bracelets, cuffs or necklaces. The Latin expression traces its roots to the classical world and the writing of Virgil, the ring is a reproduction of a 13th century ring, the original of which is now in the collections of the British Museum. The rustic medieval engraving has been adapted to decorate simple contemporary cuff, bracelet and pendant forms.
The popularity of these so-called poesy or posy rings is attested to by their frequent mention in Shakespeare's plays. The tradition is older than Shakespeare's time, but it was during the Renaissance that the custom reached the height of its popularity.
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