Discoveries by category

Jewellery

Rings, brooches, pendants and personal ornament lost centuries ago and recovered by detectorists.

Latest Jewellery

14 finds · page 2 of 2
England · Jewellery · Post-Medieval ·

A Metal Detectorist Unearthed a 17th-Century Ring Linked to Westminster Abbey

A metal detectorist named Amanda Parker unearthed a 17th-century gold memorial ring on a farm in Catforth, Lancashire, buried eight inches underground. The ring features floral engraving, a skull motif, and an inscription bearing the name of Dr. Richard Busby, a prominent headmaster of Westminster School who died in 1695 and left money in his will for memorial rings to be distributed to staff, students, and associates. Parker discovered the ring in August 2024 and shared it with delighted staff at Westminster School before putting it up for auction at Noonans in London, where it was estimated to sell for £3,000 (about $4,000).

JewelleryRead the find
Ref 15
United States · Jewellery · Modern ·

Another lost wedding ring found by local metal-detecting hobbyist

A local metal‑detecting enthusiast who recently gained national attention has once again helped reunite someone with a lost wedding ring, adding to a growing list of successful recoveries. WTOL 11 reports that Jeff—whose earlier story brought widespread recognition—continues to use his hobby to assist community members who have misplaced sentimental jewellery, with this latest find reinforcing his reputation for turning chance discoveries into meaningful returns.

Jewellery▶ VideoRead the find
Ref 9
Wales · Jewellery · Bronze Age ·

Gwynedd man finds 3,000-year-old Bronze Age gold bracelet

A metal‑detectorist in Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd, uncovered a 3,000‑year‑old late Bronze Age gold bracelet, a find described by the deputy coroner as “absolutely stunning” and now officially declared treasure. The bracelet—analysed as 92.8% gold and valued by auction experts at £15,000–£20,000—was discovered after just 20 minutes of scanning on farmland, initially mistaken for tin foil before a flash of gold appeared. Experts believe it once belonged to a high‑status individual within a farming community, and the piece is now undergoing further analysis and recording, with Storiel Museum expressing interest in acquiring it.

JewelleryRead the find
Ref 8
England · Jewellery · Medieval ·

'Extremely rare' 14th century gold ring found by detectorists in Suffolk

A pair of metal‑detectorists searching farmland near Stoke Ash in Suffolk uncovered an exceptionally rare 14th‑century medieval gold seal ring, likely once owned by Matilda of Lancaster, Countess of Ulster. After a slow morning and a near‑abandoned faulty headset, Aaron Pizzey struck a strong signal and unearthed the gold ring, which features a carnelian intaglio of a griffin and a Lombardic inscription. The find was reported to the local liaison officer and is now heading to auction at Noonans Mayfair, where it is expected to fetch £10,000–£12,000, with the proceeds split between the detectorists and the landowner.

JewelleryRead the find
Ref 6
England · Jewellery · Medieval ·

15th-Century “Blood of Christ,” St. Margaret Rings found by Metal Detectorist in North Yorkshire

A semi-retired architect and regular metal‑detectorist from North Yorkshire discovered two rare 15th‑century gold rings in fields near Northallerton, each found just months apart, and both are now heading to auction at Noonans Mayfair. The first, an enamelled “Blood of Christ” ring valued at £5,000–£7,000, reflects medieval devotional practices tied to Christ’s wounds and may have historical links to the Corpus Christi Guild at York. The second, depicting St. Margaret of Antioch and estimated at £4,000–£6,000, was traditionally associated with childbirth and features iconography rooted in her legendary escape from a dragon. Riley plans to use his share of the proceeds for an interrailing trip to Italy.

JewelleryRead the find
Ref 5