Three objects found in the fields of south Pembrokeshire have been declared treasure.

A 17th century gold posy ring was the first treasure inquest heard by the county’s deputy coroner, Gareth Lewis. The ring was found in a ploughed field by metal detecting enthusiast Philip Jenkins.

The plain band, weighing two grammes, was composed of 91.6% gold and 5.2% silver and it was inscribed with the words: ‘I choose not to change’.

It was formally declared treasure by the deputy coroner who considered a report by Dr Redknapp of the National Museum of Wales. The ring fulfilled the two criteria for treasure: it was more than 300 years old and was made up of at least 10% gold or silver.

“I was so excited when I found the ring I rang my wife to tell her,” said Mr Jenkins, a member of P e m b r o k e s h i r e Prospectors.

“We are in it for the excitement, the thrill.”

Another similar ring found in the same field by Steven Richards was considered by the coroner who decided that it was not treasure as experts could not be certain that it was more than 300 years old.

Two of Mr Richards’ other finds, a small silver gilt pin and a silver bar mount, both found in stubbled farm land in South Pembrokeshire were declared treasure.

“At the end of the day it’s a little bit of history for Pembrokeshire,” said Mr Jenkins.

“It’s a very interesting hobby.”

The Western Telegraph understands that Scolton Manor is interested in acquiring the treasure for a future display.