Rare early gold buckle ring. A smoothly conforming buckle ring featuring intricate detailing around the full circumference with a raised inscription, ‘A\. CE+POINCT+DEMEVREo’ which could translate to 'At this point remains', the letters are interspersed with cross and foliate motifs, with a detailed overlapping strap and buckle design, approximately 1.66mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 5.00 grams in weight, circa 16th-17th century.


Accompanied by documentation from the Portable Antiquities Scheme stating that this ring was found whilst metal detecting in Fressingfield, Suffolk in 2016, reference SF-772FD9 under the Portable Antiques Scheme, disclaimed as treasure under the Treasure Act, reference 2016 T779.

When taking the inscription into account, it is possible that this ring would have been made with some level of French influence. One suggestion is that the ring may be linked to the Hugenots. In the 17th century, around 50,000 Huguenots fled France to London, escaping religion persecution. Some of these refugees were known to have been wealthy aristocrats and many others were highly skilled craftsmen. Goldsmiths settled in and around London and were able to continue their trade, unlike in France where patronage of goldsmiths was forbidden, with King Louis XIV's demand that all gold plate be used to finance his war with Holland. Hugenot goldsmiths were known for the high quality of their work and intricate designs.