FINGER RING

A Post Medieval gold posy ring, dating to circa AD 1700-1800. The ring is D shaped in section with a flat inner side and rounded outer hoop. The inscription on the inner band reads 'What's sent frendly accept kindly' all in italics. The 'I' I is noted as missing from friendly in the inscription. The outer hoop is decorated with a continuous 'S' form which forms crenelated edges on the upper and lower band. Between the 'S' forms are small annulets, seven of these contain a small white gem or paste and the others are now empty and missing the setting. Some areas of green enamel survive on the outer hoop, it is presumed this enamel once followed the 'S' form of the pattern leaving the white stones against the green background.

A direct parallel in regards to the inscription and decoration has not been found on the PAS database or the online British Museum catalogue; however there are many similar examples on both databases with suggested dates of the 18^th century. An example discovered in Oxfordshire (BERK-D7F63E) is of a similar dating and can also not be confirmed as dating to pre AD 1716. An enamelled ring with inscription discovered in Somerset (SOMDOR-06AB11) also has a similar 18^th century dating. Inscriptions in italics became popular by the mid-17th century replacing Roman capitals. Specialist curators at The British Museum; Judy Rudoe and Dora Thornton have suggested the ring dates to the 18^th century with no evidence to date it pre AD 1717, therefore it is not Treasure.

The object measures 18mm in diameter, 1.59 mm thickness and weighs 2.3 grams.