Tudor Gold '+Amor Vincit' Decorated Posy Ring
Circa 16th century A.D. A gold posy ring with raised foliate band externally, inscribed '+AMOR VINCIT' for 'Love Conquers' in Roman capitals. See Evans, J., English Posies and Posy Rings, London, 1931, for similar examples. 1.72 grams, 17.46 mm overall, 15.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7) (3/4 in.). Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985.Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK. Omnia vincit amor, translating to 'Love Conquers All' and abbreviated on this ring, is one of the most famous of all Latin expressions. It is still used today, in the original Latin, in translation and in its alternative version ‘Amor vincit omnia’; the expression originally comes from the Roman poet Virgil, (Publius Vergilius Maro) most famous for his epic Aenid; the phrase appears in his first work, Eclogues. [No Reserve] A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]