Norfolk, the treasure finds capital of the UK, is home to Archaeologist Helen Geake who spends her time assessing objects discovered in the county by metal detectorists. She is part of a team that recommends whether the objects should be declared treasure by a coroner. Gold rings, in particular, are lost very often. People take them off to wash and dry their hands, and their fingers may get fatter or thinner, contributing to the loss. Dr. Geake has selected five rings that have recently come to her desk in 2024, each one revealing more about the people who lived in the area in centuries past.
Dr. Geake’s first choice was a tiny Roman ring recovered in the village of Sedgeford, near Hunstanton. The 18.2mm ring featured an exquisitely detailed depiction of the goddess Diana, with her bow in hand, arrow ready, and a little dog at her side. The highly detailed ring has similarities to a pendant found in the 4th Century Thetford Treasure hoard and may have come from the same workshop.
Her next choice is a chunky Roman gold ring discovered near King’s Lynn. Despite its plain appearance, it was intricately hammered and cast to shape. Made between the 1st and 4th Centuries, it could be divided into five separate gold rings, with a total weight of 7.81g.
Moving to the 17th Century, a mourning ring
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