A 17th century ring made by a Marlborough goldsmith is set to have pride of place in a Wiltshire museum exhibition.

The gold posy ring is the work of William Gough, believed to be the leading goldsmith in north Wiltshire in the mid-17th century. He was also the mayor of Marlborough in 1648 and 1657.

Inside the band reads the engraving 'Noe recompense but love'.

The ring, worth about £500, was found at Avebury in October 2001 by building worker and treasure hunter Peter Cawley, who died, aged 38, a few days later. It was declared treasure by Wiltshire coroner David Masters under the 1996 Treasure Act last July.

Paul Robinson, curator of Devizes-based Wiltshire Heritage Museum, said: "It's very exciting to have this ring in our museum.

"It's an exceptional piece because it is very difficult to acquire signed works from such an early date. It's in very good condition with no sign of wear on it."

The 350-year-old posy ring was found as Mr Cawley carried out an unauthorised search of grassland at Manor Farm, in Avebury Trusloe.

But, after finding the ring, Mr Cawley reported it to Robin Butler, 55, whose family have farmed the land since 1936, as well as Mr Robinson.

Mr Robinson added: "Mr Cawley's mother wanted the museum to have the ring."

It will be on display from Monday.