12th-century gold annular love-token brooch with posy
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 12th century
This is a 12th-century annular brooch, an early form of jewelry that functioned as both a fastener and a sentimental love-token. Crafted from gold, the object is defined by a flat circular hoop that integrates a hinged, tapered pin designed for securing clothing.
The brooch features an inscribed surface, marked in relief with seriffed Roman capitals. The specific Anglo-Norman posy reads 'IO SVI DRVERIE NE ME DVNE Z MI', which translates to 'I am a love-token, never give me away.' The term 'druerie' specifically denotes a chivalrous and courtly variety of love. Technical analysis via XRF testing indicates the gold is approximately 19.3ct in purity, with trace elements of silver, iron, copper, lead, and bismuth present.
The brooch measures 14.2mm in diameter and weighs 0.78 grams. Its design and inscription reflect the courtly cultural traditions of the era, with similar posy inscriptions recorded on medieval rings and seal ribbons from the same period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 0.78g
- Diameter
- 14.2mm
- Material
- 19.3ct gold with traces of silver, iron, copper, lead, and bismuth
Technical characteristics
- Type
- annular brooch
- Inscription method
- seriffed Roman capitals in relief
Design
- Inscription
- IO SVI DRVERIE NE ME DVNE Z MI
- Translation
- I am a love-token, never give me away
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.