A really charming example of a gold signet ring from England circa 1580.

Engraved with the initials VI, reversed for seal engraving, a lover’s knot below and a leafy stem rising between them, forming three flowerheads above.

In immaculate condition, the underside of the bezel with the maker’s mark M within a shield, which is always a nice thing to see.

9g gross weight, Finger size approximately UK - T, US - 9 5/8

For similar examples, mostly in worn condition, see;

Oman. Catalogue of rings in the Victoria and Albert Museum, number 559, 599. (#499 has a maker's mark E)
Dalton. Catalogue of Finger Rings Bequeathed by by Sir Augustus Franks, in the British Museum, numbers 587 and 589
Boardman/Scarisbrick. Ralph Harari collection of Finger Rings. Number 137, 138 and 139

Discussing rings with knots in the catalogue of the finger rings in the British Museum Ormonde Dalton wrote:

“Knots of this kind, uniting initials, were very common during the 16th century. The initials of Mary Queen of Scots and Darnley were thus joined on the ring now in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The use of the knot does not, however, in every case imply that the ring is a love-ring, for the initials are often those of a single person”

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