In 2019, Mark Sell, a retired fire service worker, discovered a gold ring with a metal detector in Norfolk. The ring, set with gemstones, is believed to be from the late 12th century.
The 69-year-old said it was shocking to find a ring that old in such good condition.
“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,” Sell told Yahoo!News.
“I could also see that the ring was complete with all of the original jewels still in place and was in pristine condition.”
Norwich Castle Museum and the British Museum analysed the find, which temporarily appeared on display. Now, the ring will head to Noonans Mayfair in London for auction, with a presale estimate of between £15,000 ($AUD30,650) and £18,000 ($AUD36,780).
Norwich Castle Museum is reportedly interested in purchasing the ring for permanent display. The auction will take place on 26 March.
More reading
Secret gold jewellery collection discovered in Egypt
Viking jewellery paints a vivid image of historic society
Once in a century luxury discovery in Pompeii
Mythological marvel: Ancient jewellery unearthed in Italy
Blast from the past: 4,000-year-old jewellery unearthed
Time machine: Aussies in love with ancient Egyptian jewellery
Ancient gold necklace to be returned to Turkey
4,000 years later: Ancient jewellery unveiled in Scotland
Time travel: Bronze Age jewellery discovered in Europe