CHARLIZE THERON - THERON'S RING PROMPTS MARRIAGE QUESTIONS

MONSTER star CHARLIZE THERON has sparked speculation she's set to marry STUART TOWNSEND after she was spotted wearing a new ring.

The South African actress and Irish actor Townsend have been vocal about their reluctance to wed, and most recently Theron declared she'd exchange nuptials with her boyfriend when gay marriage is legalised in the US.

But with the appearance of new finger wear, Theron is keeping fans guessing - even though she insists the ring has nothing to do with marriage.

She explains, "We're not engaged. It's a Victorian ring decorated with forget-me-not flowers. It opens up, and you can put love letters inside."