English: A Post Medieval gold finger ring, a decade ring, probably dating to the 17th century. The finger ring comprises a band with a D-shaped cross-section and it is decorated with 10 applied spheres of gold and 1 applied cross. It appears to have been made in a strip with the ends soldered together to form a ring. The point of solder seems to correspond with the applied cross. There are no marks or inscriptions on the inner surface.
The ten knops around the circumference of the ring suggest that it was a decade ring, used as a discreet way of assisting in the saying of the ten prayers that make up the Rosary in the Catholic Christian tradition.

Dimensions: width: 2.49mm; thickness (including the knops) : 2.97mm; internal diameter: 16.26mm; weight: 2.22g.

Discussion: The term decade refers to the ten prayer beads used to count the series of prayers that make up the rosary. Decade rings were a form of rosary used for repeating the ten prayers, with the central bezel representing the Pater Noster (Lord's Prayer). Decade rings were introduced in the 10th century but since they were more discreet than rosary beads, they became popular during times of religious persecution, particularly in the 16th century. This item is unusual as made of gold and could have been attached or associated with a rosary. For an example of this refer to the chalcedony rosary and ring from the Stonyhurst Collection , Lancashire which date to the 17th century in J. Bate & D. Thornton, 'Staging the World', London, British Museum, 2012.

Similar examples are recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database e.g. WMID-08B476 (made in lead alloy) and YORYM-07E2C3 this one is very similar to the above finger ring, although the style of the cross is slightly different.

As the finger ring is greater than 300 years old and is more than 10% gold it fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.

Kate Sumnall, Finds Liaison Officer for Greater London, Museum of London

Dora Thornton, Curator of Renaissance Europe, British Museum
15.01.13