Lost Owl Modern Posy Ring "Rise Like Lions"
Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number,
Shake your chains to earth like dew
Which in sleep had fallen on you –
Ye are many – they are few.
- Percy Bysshe Shelley, 'The Masque of Anarchy'
A Modern Posy Ring by Lost Owl.
Perhaps the most deeply personal and intimate piece of jewellery we can wear. Posy from the French "poésie" meaning poetry refers to the short poem or motto inscribed on the inside of the band, to be worn against the skin a tactile reminder of the hidden words. A promise, a devotion, a spell.
Popular throughout the 15th to late 18th centuries when they were exchanged as love tokens, betrothal or wedding rings, and they are the ancestor to the contemporary wedding band.
We source vintage and antique 22 carat gold bands for our Modern Posy Rings and, following the medieval tradition, hand engrave them with your own posy inside the band, and a symbol or three on the outside.
Posy rings are also known as posey, poesy, or simply "love rings."
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Ring size: O 1/2 or 7.5 US. Resize for £55
Width of band: 4.8mm
Weight: 4.1 grams
Hallmarks: English, Birmingham, 22ct gold, 1870. Signed LOST OWL.
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
threats of a new 10% Greenland Tariff have been mentioned. We'll see how this plays out and update in due course.
[Last updated: January 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
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.
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say :)
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*the shopping cart, not checkout