The Ashfield ring
An exceptionally rare example of an early 17th century signet ring made for a gentlewoman.
Circa 1615-20

The oval bezel seal engraved with a coat of arms within a lozenge, indicating it was made for a woman.

Extensive research indicates the ring is likely to have belonged to Dorothy Ashfield, born in 1594, the eldest daughter of Thomas Ashfield of Hopton in Suffolk, and his wife Ellen Holditch of Ranworth in Norfolk.

A late renaissance ring specifically made with a woman's arms is exceedingly rare, to date I have not been able to find another example.

Found at Roydon in Suffolk by metal detecting on a stubble field on 4 October 2020. It has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database, ref.: NMS-71554C and disclaimed as Treasure ref. 2020-T841.

The head 17x14mm, 8 grams
Finger size approximately UK - H, US - 4

POA