The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Thursday, 9th June 2005 (3957 views)

A treasure hunting enthusiast from Essex has uncovered a unique gold ring that is thought to be from the 15th or 16th century, in a local farmer's field.<br/><br/>John Brien found the ring that features an expanded decorative surface illustrating Christ's Passion, including engravings of the sacred heart, and the cross, hammer and nails. It is 22 millimetres in diameter, weighs 7.2 grams, and would have had a devotional use, according to the Epping Forest Guardian.<br/><br/>Objects over 300 years old with a high silver or gold content must be reported to a museum within 14 days of discovery according to treasure laws and the ring was taken to a local museum for identification.<br/><br/>Mr Brien told the Epping Forest Guardian: "It's treasure so you've got to do the right thing and hand it in. I didn't think about it from week to week after that but people did ask me from time to time."<br/><br/>The government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is now valuing the ring in a process that is expected to be completed in around two months.<br/>Museums have already shown interest in buying the item if funds can be raised, and will pay Mr Brien the full price.<img alt="track" src="http://directnews.dehavilland.co.uk/dn.gif?feedid=196&itemid=8707599"/>

 

« Back to Gold News stories