FINGER RING

Treasure Case 2020T525

Description:
A complete gold finger-ring with a turquoise cabochon that dates to the late medieval period (c.AD 1400-1500). The hoop is roughly D-shaped and slightly compressed to form an oval shape. The hoop is thinnest at the base and gradually thickens and widens towards the shoulders. At the shoulders, the hoop widens and becomes flat on the top to form a three-faceted collar. The edge of each collar cuts downwards to the base of the bezel. The ring has a high bezel in the form of a cusped quatrefoil that appears to imitate a flower bud. Each lobe of the quatrefoil has a raised rim and a shallow double crescent design in the centre. The centre of the bezel mounts a blue opaque stone that is likely turquoise.

Dimensions*:
External diameter: c.20mm
*More dimensions will be provided once the object is handed into the FLO.

Discussion:
A similarly shaped ring with turquoise cabochon is present in the Fishpool Hoard in the collection at the British Museum (1967,1208.2), which is dated to the late medieval period (c.AD 1400-1464). The object entry describes turquoise as being “much valued for its amuletic properties, since it was said to protect the wearer against poisoning, drowning or having an accident while riding”.  A similar finger-ring can be seen in the Treasure Annual Report 2003 (pp.108-9, Fig: 194 2003T262) from Lincolnshire. Other examples that have been presented as potential Treasure include: 2006T49 from Lincolnshire; 2008T424 from North Yorkshire and 2010T138 from Norfolk, which were all disclaimed as Treasure.

Conclusions:
The object appears made of more than 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old; it therefore meets the criteria for Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.

References:
DCMS (2003), Treasure Annual Report 2003, London: DCMS.
Hinton, D. (2005), Gold & Gilt, Pots & Pins: Possessions and People in Medieval Britain, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Author: Heather Beeton - Finds Liaison Officer Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside