The late 14th-century diamond-set gold ring.
Amateur metal detectorists can stumble on antiquities, including hoards ofancient treasure.
The stunning band bears a unique inscription, and has recently sold at auction for an impressive $46,000.
The late 14th-century diamond-set gold ring. (Photo:Noonans)
David Board picked up metal detecting in the 1970s, but his early endeavors yielded nothing exciting.
His machine pinged on only the second day searching.
He initially thought the object he unearthed was a metal candy wrapper but then decided it was scrap metal.
Photo:Noonans
Luckily, he saved it.
Once the ring was examined by experts in medieval history, the true import of the discovery became clear.
In incredible condition, the ring features two entwined bands symbolizing marital union.
Photo:Noonans
An inverted diamond is set in the gold.
The interior of the band carries an inscription in medieval French.
They married in 1388.
Lady Joana wealthy widow of a cloth merchantbrought a lot of wealth to her marriage.
Yet Board is still thrilled with his find: There will probably never be another one like it.
Back then, each ring was individual and unique, not mass produced like today.
The ring went to auction at Noonan’s in London in November 2022, fetching an impressive $46,000.
