17th-18th century AD. A substantial silver ring with D-section hoop decorated with sub-rectangular panels bearing geometric floral forms, one hatched panel to both shoulders, circular lentoid-section bezel bearing engraved scene consisting of a standing skeleton, a raven perched on one hand, holding scales in the other, right field with the hand of god reaching down from above, a cross between, left field with three crossed arrows, stars around; encircled by an enigmatic eastern European inscription punctuated with stylised plant motifs; decorative elements and inscription with remains of niello fill; circular opening to reverse of bezel. 14.12 grams, 25.61mm overall, 17.28mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13) (1"). Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman; acquired from the collection Sussex lady.