Mystery Ring That Could Date Back To Pre- Viking

[Kev]

Earlier this summer a unique sapphire ring entered the collection of the Yorkshire Museum in York. This month’s Art Fund column explores the story behind the ring.
 

Ever since it was found by York and District Metal Detecting Club member, Michael Greenhorn in April 2009 in a field near York, the ring has been the subject of mystery. Around 2.5cm across, the gold finger-ring is set with a large central sapphire surrounded by triangular red glass inlays and embellished around the edge with fine gold and beaded wiring. It is thought that a ring of this quality would only have been worn by someone of very high status – perhaps a King, Queen or local Chief but pinning down the exact period that the ring dates from is a puzzle that has so far eluded experts.
The use of the sapphire in a ring of this style is rare – it is thought to be the second earliest known example of the use of the stone ever found in the country. Its presence along with the use of highly skilled gold beading would suggest that the ring is from the Viking period of the 10th and 11th centuries. However, experts don’t believe this is the beginning of the ring’s story – the combination of gold with red and blue inlays of glass suggest an altogether older origin, dating the ring somewhere between the 7th and 9th centuries making it more typical of the Anglian style, lesser known in the area’s history.

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[Neil]

Great post Kev and a stunning photo!

Something we all dream of finding

Neil

[waltonbasinman]

A great read Kev. If I found that I would probably die of shock.

[Chef Geoff]

Thankfully I don't do "bling" so don't dream of them. That is amazing though how well it's lasted without farm machinery having it's wicked way with it.

[dances with badgers]

well i do bling and i do dream of them ,thats wicked and i want it sir ooh suits me sir ooh

[rjm]

Lovely find and nicely cleaned. 

[dances with badgers]

must have used your cleaning method bobby lol

[rjm]

must have used your cleaning method bobby lol

No, that's classified information! 

[dances with badgers]

i would rub it too hard 

[rjm]

i would rub it too hard 

That's the old method.

Tie it in a sock and put in washing machine!! 

[dances with badgers]

is that an old policemans trick bob?

[rjm]

is that an old policemans trick bob?

Old?  ....... at least I look younger than you? 

I can give all my tips away. 

[dances with badgers]

hard life bein a crim bob