File:Modern, Complete sleeper earring (FindID 577654).jpg

English: A complete gold sleeping earring, of Modern dating (AD 1900 to AD 2013).

The earring is circular in shape, with a circular cross section. The earring has been hinged, to enable fitting into the ear. No hallmarks are present.

It has an external diameter of 13.08 mm, and internal one of 10.49 mm and is 1.09 mm thick. It weighs 0.4 g.

The earring is a mid yellow colour, with an even surface patina.

Earrings initially became fashionable among courtiers and gentlemen in the 1590s during the English Renaissance. A document published in 1577 by clergyman William Harrison, Description of England, states "Some lusty courtiers and gentlemen of courage do wear either rings of gold, stones or pearls in their ears." Among sailors, a pierced earlobe was a symbol that the wearer had sailed around the world or had crossed the equator.In addition, it is commonly held[citation needed] that a gold earring was worn by sailors in payment for a proper burial in the event that they might drown at sea. Should their bodies have been washed up on shore, it was hoped that the earring would serve as payment for "a proper Christian burial". Regardless of this expression, the practice predates Christianity and can be traced back as far as ancient Greece where the gold paid the ferryman, Charon, to provide passage across the river Styx to Hades. The practice of wearing simple rings still continues into the modern day, especially with simple plain rings such as this example, which are comfortable to wear at night.

The hinged fitting does suggest that this earring is more recent in date, but as it can not be proved to be older than 300 years in dating, it is unlikely to be considered as Potential Treasure under the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.