Context (Analysis)
According to the PAS record (CAM-F5949E), the square motifs that flank the hearts in transverse lines were examined under a microscope and although 'not visible by eye, use of a microscope reveals that the surface of each gold sub-square shape is also keyed and on a few the tiniest trace of red enamel is present. This strongly suggests that all of the sub-square motifs were enamelled red.'
Event Date
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Field collection)
This ring was found on 16 August 2020 with the use of a metal detector on cultivated land, c. 10cm below current land surface. It has been registered with the PAS (CAM-F5949E) and has been declared as Treasure Trove (2020T607). Helen Clarke-Hill's coroner's report has been used as the basis for the information in this record (see Object File).
Event Date 16/8/2020
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Description (Physical description)
Helen Clarke-Hill: 'Gold finger-ring with traces of a dark blue/black and a red enamel surviving on the outer surface. This finger-ring has an incised inscription on the inner surface of the hoop, also defined by the inlay of black enamel. The hoop has a 'D' shaped cross-section. The bezel is rectangular and in profile rises up, flaring outwards with diagonal sides... Beyond the maximum dimensions the sides angle inwards again, towards the setting. The setting is, at present, undetermined but has a light grey to buff beige colour and is an irregularly shaped cabochon. The external surface is decorated with equidistantly spaced love-heart motifs (x5) and transverse chequered lines of small sub-square shapes. Red enamel, now mostly missing, and black enamel, surviving to greater extent, has been applied to the keyed surface. The internal surface of the hoop has been inscribed: * As I prove I with your love . The font incised, italic and serifed is defined by the inlay of black enamel.'
Event Date 9/2023
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Analysis)
According to the Report for the Coroner, written by Helen Clarke-Hill on September 2023, 'a variation of the same inscription is recorded on 1961,1202.286 in the British Museum, a plain gold band dated 1682-1709'. She also notes that 'No exact parallel has been found to date. However compare with PAS records: GLO-324BBE (AD 1600-1700) use of equidistantly spaced enamelled motifs and serifed italic font, SF-6FDEB9 - 2016T165 (AD 1500-1700) use of chequered squares and enamel decoration, NMS-A54722 - 2013T84 (AD 1600-1800) use of enamelled love-heart motifs, KENT-47B462 - 2004T249 (AD 1600-1700) has a small rectangular bezel, as does KENT-F4F5E5 - 2004T153 (AD 1675-1740).'
Event Date 9/2023
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Description (Physical description)
Gold and enamel posey finger ring set with quartz cabochon in a raised rectangular bezel; the internal surface of the ring is inscribed '* As I prove I with your love' in italics, inlaid with black enamel. The hoop is decorated with dark blue enamel, with five evenly spaced hearts, some retaining traces of red enamel, separated by lines of raised squares, which were once also enamelled red. Hoop has a D-shaped cross-section. Much of the blue enamel on hoop remains, with patches of loss; small traces of red enamel from the hearts is present, only microscopic amounts to the raised square; and slight damage to the hoop.
Event Date 16/12/2025
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Analysis)
The gemstone was 'test[ed] as quartz' during the valuation process by Kristian Spofforth in March 2025 (see Object File).
Event Date 27/3/2025
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Analysis)
A very similar inscription on a posey ring from Devon dated 1680-1720 (PAS: DEV-92ECB4) reads: ‘As I prove I wish your love’.
Event Date 30/1/2026
Author: Lily Pencliffe

Description (Inscription)
Inscription: 'As I prove I wish your love'.
Event Date 11/2/2026
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Analysis)
Although the original transcription provided by the Coroner's Report was 'as I prove I with your love', macro photography of the inscription now makes it clear that it reads 'as I prove I wish your love'. This would make it the same inscription the ring recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (DEV-92ECB4), as suggested by Lily Pencliffe. The Description has therefore been updated accordingly.
Event Date 11/2/2026
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)