DetectingWales.com

By Shivali Best


This beautiful piece of jewellery has a familiar ring to it for fans of Kate Middleton. Kate Middleton's engagement ring features a large sapphire, and a beautiful forebear has been found lying in the dirt.

The ring, dating back to 1250, was discovered by a treasure hunter, who struck gold in a field in Belper, Derbyshire.


Sapphires were extremely rare in medieval England and were reserved for royalty and high-ranking nobility and clergy


MEDIEVAL JEWELLERY


The jewellery worn in medieval Europe reflected a very hierarchical and status-conscious society.

Royalty and the nobility wore gold, silver and precious gems, while lower ranks of society wore base metals, such as copper or pewter.

Precious gems and enamel provided colour, and were highly valued.

Sapphires were extremely rare in medieval England and were reserved for royalty and high-ranking nobility and clergy.

Expensive gems such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were used as early tokens of love.

The sapphire was also significant as a symbol of the Virgin Mary.


.
The finder, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'It was wonderful to uncover it out the ground and see the glint of gold strike the Derbyshire sun.

'It really was a heart in the mouth moment.'

The ring is stirrup-shaped, a classic feature of the period, and made of solid gold.

It features an expensive, bright blue cabochon sapphire.

At 5g, the ring is significantly heavier than many others of the period, meaning its owner was extremely wealthy.

Sapphires were extremely rare in medieval England and were reserved for royalty and high-ranking nobility and clergy.

Expensive gems such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were used as early tokens of love.

The sapphire was also significant as a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
 
The ring, dating back to the year 1250, was discovered by a lucky treasure hunter, who struck gold in a field in Belper, Derbyshire

The religious importance of the sapphire and number of religious festivals that took place in rural Derbyshire in the 1200s make it likely the ring was lost at such a ceremony.

Charles Hanson, the managing director of Hansons Auctioneers, said: 'The ring from a time of manors, feudalism and farming was made in medieval England, 100 years before the Black Death.'

Historica department specialist Adam Staples said: 'A sapphire signified the height of celestial hope and faith, and was believed to bring protection, good fortune and spiritual insight.

'It was a symbol of power and strength, but also of kindness and wise judgment.

'There isn't a way of proving a link to a royal figure because it has no makers mark.
 
The ring is a stirrup-shaped, a classic feature of the period, and made of solid gold. Right on top it features an expensive, bright blue cabochon sapphire

'The style of ring was popular amongst Bishops and wealthier members of the clergy, the blue sapphire being associated with the Virgin Mary and suggesting that those of faith may attain celestial bliss.

'It does also reveal how powerful the Church was during this period, as to possess such an item would have been a sign of significant wealth of success.'

The ring is expected to fetch over £2,000 ($2,464) at Hansons Historica auction on Tuesday 29.

That's just like the one I'm going to find by 2017. Thanks for posting Neil.  ;)

Now that's a really fantastic find,i wonder if I will ever detect such a fantastic find ?
Ah well,as Paul said,roll on 2017...!!!...and many thanks for posting Neil..👍

Seen this one today, and as I was quite a special guest they even took it out and let me hold it....what a special find.....going on sale tomorrow  :o

Its quite common to have an ex-boy band member open the bidding on auction day.

Good to see your fame of many moons ago still gets you the odd personal appearances mate.

See you at Santa Hats

not if I see you first ;D ;)