Description:

A complete gold and gem finger ring of medieval date, c.AD 1400 - 1500. The hoop of the ring is circular with a D-shaped section which widens to a double ovate bezel. Both bezels are moulded into a quatrefoil shape, achieved by recessing four semi-circles around a deep round-topped coloured settings, either gem or glass, at the centre. One setting is pink/red, while the other is green.

The shoulders of the hoop are decorated with elaborate incised foliate motifs of curvilinear stemmed flowers within a fluted border. The lowest quarter of the hoop, opposite the bezel, is undecorated. The interior surface of the hoop is also undecorated.

Dimensions:

Length: 19.7mm; Width: 7.1mm; Thickness: 4.2mm; Internal Diameter: 15.6mm Weight: 4.42g.

Scientific Analysis:

Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the metal of a mediaeval (15^th century?) gold finger ring from Fulford, Yorkshire, indicated a surface composition of approximately 76-79% gold, 12-15% silver, the rest being copper (c. 8-10%).

The gem stones were analysed using Raman spectroscopy, and by comparison with in-house standard materials, the red stone was identified as a ruby and the green stone as an emerald.

One small fragment of what appears to be bluish enamel was also observed at an area of incised decoration near the bezel of the green stone.

Discussion:

This example is comparable to the "Green Hammerton Ring" 2015T271 (SWYOR-61ADFC) and 2013T363 (LEIC-734E08) from Launde, Leicestershire.

Conclusion:

In terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Author and title:

Rebecca Griffiths

FLO for North and East Yorkshire

Date: 24^th January 2017