300-YEAR-OLD TREASURE FOUND IN PADDOCKS
A 300-YEAR-OLD gold ring found in North Staffordshire has been declared as treasure.
The ornate trinket was discovered at an undisclosed location in February by a man who was using a metal detector.
A treasure inquest held at Hartshill heard the ring had been examined by the British Museum and was found to date from between 1600 and 1650.
North Staffordshire Coroner Ian Smith said the ring was discovered by Andre Ray, from Ripley, Derbyshire, on February 24.
Mr Smith said: “Mr Ray was doing some examination by metal detector in some pasture horse paddocks. About six inches down, underneath a large, round stone, he found a gold ring.”
The ring features the initials G and L and three candlesticks. Experts at the British Museum said it was a postmedieval gold signet or seal ring.
Mr Smith declared the find as treasure.
He said: “I am satisfied that the ring is at least 10 per cent precious metal and at least 300 years old, so it qualifies under the Treasure Act 1996 to be declared as treasure.”