Rings of Resistance: "They Shall Not Pass"
¡No pasarán! They shall not pass!
It is 8th November 1936 and Madrid is under siege, General Francisco Franco has brought his fascist legions to the gates of the capital after a 4 month long, blood soaked March through the country. From the beginning it was an unequal fight with Franco's forces supported by the Fascist leaders in Germany and Italy, Hitler and Mussolini. Inside the gates defending the Spanish Republic is a somewhat disorganised coalition of workers militia, civilians and international volunteers. They are politically and socially diverse and it would seem the odds are stacked against them.
Everywhere inside Madrid rings out the cry “¡No pasaran!”
The words of the fiery and charismatic Dolores Ibárruri, a Republican leader better known as La Pasionaria (‘The Passionflower’). Her speeches are legendary and these words gave the Spanish Republicans the courage and unity to face the fascist army.
And they did not pass.
Against the odds, the Republicans held and lived to fight another day. Although the city eventually fell in 1939 the slogan remains, inspiring all those who would stand up to forces of authoritarianism and hatred around the world.
A Paperclip Chain
Wearing a paperclip on one's lapel was an idea started with students and teachers during the Nazi occupation of Norway in WWII. Subtle yet defiant it became a visual symbol of unity and resistance against occupiers.
Inspired by this tradition we have engraved the outside of this band with a paperclip chain. An unbroken ring of interlocking units, an impenetrable band of solidarity and support, a firewall against the monstrosities of fascism.
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A Modern Posy Ring by Lost Owl. A ring that lived through all that, and more. Part of our Rings of Resistance collection of five Modern Posy Rings inspired by the last 500 years of resisting oppression.
Ring size: L 1/2 or 6 US
Width of band: 4.4mm
Weight: 4.4 grams
Hallmarks: English, Birmingham, 22ct Gold, 1939
Condition: Great vintage condition
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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