AN unusually well-preserved Tudor ring has been unearthed near a Hampshire Village.

The ring, which dates back to the 16th or 17th century, was found in a field in Hursley and was recently the subject of an inquest to determine whether it should be classified as treasure.

Amateur metal detectorist Angela Stone found the gold ring, believed to be a pilgrim sign, in a field in August last year.

She then took it to Hampshire's Finds Liaison officer, Katie Hinds.

“It's a fine work of art. They are a more unusual find and it's in a lovely condition,” Ms Hinds said.

She declined to comment on what the item might be worth, but said the British Museum had confirmed its historicity and that Winchester Museums were now interested in acquiring it.

Ms Hinds said such pilgrim signs were popular from the 14th century through to Victorian times.

It was customary for people to prove their pilgrimage with a badge or ring of some kind.

On Wednesday, February 21, coroner for Central Hampshire Grahame Short said he was satisfied it should be classified under law as treasure, since it is more than three hundred years old and its gold is of more than 10 per cent purity.