The posy ring – a type of simple gold band inscribed with a sentiment or poem – lay hidden on land in South Elmsall, near Pontefract, and was found by a treasure hunter using a metal detector last autumn.

Leonard Crang found the 12mm gold and enamel artefact buried four inches into the soil and reported it to the coroner.

A number of possible reasons as to how the ring got there were discussed at an inquest on Wednesday. One theory was that it was thrown from a carriage during a lovers' tiff.

West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff said: "It looks like it would have been a desired possession by someone but it looks very much like they have lost it."

Mr Hinchliff ruled that the ring be handed over to the British Museum under the Treasure Act. It is expected to go on permanent display in a local museum.

Mr Crang and land owner Peter Johnson look set to receive a reward .

Wakefield Coroner's Court heard how Mr Crang found the ring last October during a trip to the farm with 20 follow enthusiasts from a club based near Doncaster.

A report by British Museum expert Natasha Dean says the ring, thought to date from the 17th century, has an inscription on the inside which says: "No content to your consent."