In 2025, we put out an appeal to help us purchase a 17th-century gold and enamel posy ring, found by a detectorist near Wembworthy and offered for sale under the Treasure Act 1996.

Posy rings were popular between the 15th and 17th centuries as tokens of love and friendship. Their inscriptions were typically engraved on the inside of the band, hidden against the skin of the wearer, which was believed to give the words extra poignancy. This one reads: “As I prove I wish your love.” It dates to around 1680–1720 and still shows traces of its original enamel decoration.

We wanted to acquire it for two reasons. The area around Wembworthy is currently under-represented in our collection, and the ring itself is a beautiful and rare example of a type of object that tells us something real about the lives and relationships of ordinary people in the past.

The asking price was £800, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we got there. The response to the appeal was wonderful, and we’re grateful to everyone who donated.

The ring is now on display in the museum, alongside our other two posy rings from Uffculme and Cullompton.

If you’d like to come and see it, you’ll find it in the Wool Trade Gallery. We hope you think it was worth it.