Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro has completed the purchase of a Bronze Age gold terminal fragment found in St Levan, and a gold memento mori ring dating to 1702 from St Enoder.

Both were acquired under the Treasure Act 1996 with the help of recent donations to the museum’s Treasure Appeal. They are already in the museum's care and should be on display for all to see this autumn.

The Treasure Appeal is a ring-fenced fund used to bid for significant historical items, archaeological finds, or works of art discovered in Cornwall which hold intrinsic value for the region. Finds are coming up more regularly thanks to an increase in metal-detecting and the success of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) for archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales.

Collections and engagement manager Jeni Woolcock said: “We are regularly offered beautiful and interesting items which have been valued under the PAS initiative, and are currently working to build on our collection of Bronze Age gold in particular.

“Regional museums such as ours - which receives no regular funding - find it hard to raise the full amount to buy Treasure finds. This means they sometimes end up with private collectors. Being able to dip into the newly created Treasure Fund means we can be more responsive and competitive.”

The fund received donations of over £1,200 from museum members and the general public in July, allowing these acquisitions to take place; donations can still be made.

“We have been offered a bronze age gold ingot and other amazing gold objects from the same period, which we’d love to be able to display alongside the rest of our ancient gold collection,” said Jeni. “The target for these items is £2500 and all donations are gratefully received.”