Detectorist societies always adhere to two golden rules: no trespassing and respect the land you are searching on. All finds legally defined as treasure must also be reported to the local coroner within 14 days of discovery, according to the Treasure Act.

Breaching the law can result in a £5,000 fine, a term of imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

Treasure belongs to the Crown, not the finder or the landowner, but ­successful hunters are not left empty-handed. Usually, an ex ­gratia payment is made, and the bounty can be significant.

In December last year, it was announced that two detectorists in Jersey who uncovered a haul of 70,000 Iron Age coins in 2012 would receive a share of their £4.25m value.

However, the majority of detectorists will agree that the greatest reward of their pursuit is the chance to uncover a forgotten piece of history.

Miss Millington added: “Once the ring has finished going through the treasure process, I would like to donate it to a museum to go on public display and be shared with others. Its history is more important than any monetary value.”