1705–25

American Decorative Arts

The interior face of this ring is inscribed "Be true in heart." This sentimental phrase appeared in religious texts as well as on betrothal rings beginning in the sixteenth century, underscoring the intertwined nature of romantic love and spiritual belief. John Dixwell was born in New Haven and worked in Boston; an inventory of his shop taken after his death in 1725 records tools for making rings, but this is the only example that survives.

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

W.: 1/8 in. (0.3 cm)
Diam.: 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)
3 g

Credit Line

Mabel Brady Garvan Collection

Accession Number

1947.193

Culture
Period

18th century

Classification
Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance

Provenance

Francis P. Garvan (1875-1937), New York, New York; Mabel Brady Garvan; gift 1947 to Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn.
Bibliography
  • Patricia E. Kane, Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1998), 380
  • Kathryn C. Buhler and Graham Hood, American Silver in the Yale University Art Gallery, 2 vols. (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1970), vol. 1, p. 82, no. 84, ill.
  • Peter J. Bohan, American Gold, 1700–1860, exh. cat. (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1963), 43, no. 107
Object copyright
Additional information

Object/Work type

finger rings

Marks

"ID" in large oval on inner surface

Inscriptions

"Be true in heart" engraved inside.

Technical metadata and APIs

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