A rare medieval gold ring discovered by a metal detectorist in Norfolk is expected to fetch up to £18,000 at auction later this month.
The jewelled ring was unearthed by Mark Sell, a 63-year-old retired fire service worker, in Shipdham near Dereham.
Dating from the late 12th to early 13th century, the pristine artefact was found in an area detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Sell made the discovery in November 2019, just as darkness was falling.
The ring was found in Norfolk in November 2019
MARK SELL/NOONANS
The precious find was unearthed in King Row, Shipdham, a village near Dereham.
After discovering the ring, the 63-year-old promptly reported it to the landowner and showed it to him and his family.
He then deposited the medieval treasure with his local Finds Liaison Officer as required by law.
Sell described the moment of discovery: "I was amazed to see a thin line of gold in the clod of mud that I had dug up, and as I wiped away the mud, I could see the bezel of a medieval gold jewelled ring.
"I could also see that the ring was complete with all of the original jewels still in place and was in pristine condition."
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Dating from the late 12th to early 13th century, the pristine artefact was found in an area detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086
MARK SELL/NOONANS
The ring underwent the official treasure process, with both Norwich Castle Museum and the British Museum involved.
While in its care, the British Museum put the medieval artefact on temporary display.
Norwich Castle Museum has also expressed interest in acquiring the ring for its permanent collection, according to Noonans.
The pristine condition of the ring, with all original jewels intact, makes it a particularly valuable historical artefact.
The medieval treasure will go under the hammer at Noonans Mayfair in London on March 26.
While in its care, the British Museum put the medieval artefact on temporary display
MARK SELL/NOONANS
Auctioneers have given the ring a pre-auction estimate of £15,000 to £18,000.
Proceeds from the sale of what has been dubbed the King Row Ring will be shared between Sell and the landowner.
Laura Smith, jewellery expert at Noonans, highlighted the historical significance of the find location.
Smith noted that Shipdham was "well established by the time of the Norman Conquest".
She added the village was "extensively detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086, and at that time recorded as being within the largest 20 per cent of settlements in England".
