Finger ring

Medieval

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

late 14th-15th Century

This ring is engraved inside and out with flowers and leaves, interspersed with an inscription in French. '+ TANT QUE MURAI +VOUZ CEROIRE', which can be translated as 'Until I die I will be yours' or 'As I grow older, I will encircle you'. The sentiments suggest that the ring may have served as a marriage ring and the museum intend to include it in their 2009-10 exhibition entitled 'A Romantic Proposal'. It was originally enamelled although all the enamel has now gone. It is likely to be English, as at this date the English nobility spoke French. It adds to the museum's medieval collections which mainly derive from excavations within Staffordshire.

• Medium: gold
• Dimensions: diameter: 1.9cm
• Art Fund Grant: £312 ( Total: £1,250)
• ArtFunded in: 2010
• Vendor: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Provenance

Discovered by a metal detectorist in Staffordshire and declared Treasure in 2008.

Add your comments about this artwork Hide this form

Have your say