File:Post-Medieval Gold Mourning Finger-ring (FindID 588375).jpg

English: A gold slightly bent mourning finger-ring of c.16th century AD date. A white enamel skull was present at the centre of the upper surface of the ring with white and green enamel detail on the shoulders of the ring. Most of the enamel from all of the enamelled fields has fallen out since the ring was discovered however slight traces do still remain.

Treasure Report:

Date: 16th to early 17th century

Description: A Post-Medieval memento mori finger-ring; the bezel in the form of an incurved hexagon with a skull in the centre which would have once contained white enamel. This is surrounded by the upper-case inscription MEMENTO MORI with traces of black enamel. There are incised line decorations in the corners of the hexagon. The band of the ring is a thin hoop with scrolled shoulders. Traces of white and green enamel remain on the scrolls. The hoop slightly squashed. Fragments of the white enamel which once decorated this finger-ring can be found together with the finger-ring in a separate container.

Dimensions: Weight: 4.2g, Length: 22.3 mm, Width: 16 mm

Discussion: This finger-ring is very similar to Treasure case 2011 T710 (Portable Antiquities Scheme database, WMID-9318D6). Both are similar to an example in the British Museum, AF.1519 which is ascribed a 17th century date.

Conclusion: The age and precious metal content of this item therefore qualify it as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Judy Rudoe, The British Museum