A metal detectorist who discovered a rare medieval ring was so convinced it was valueless he wore it on a night out.
Detectorist Gordon Graham only realised the possible worth of the silver and gilt ring, thought to date from between 1400 and 1500, after he posted pictures of it on social media a few days later.
’It’s amazing to think that but for the power of social media I might never have realised what I had found,’ said Mr Graham, who only took up his hobby around two years ago.
’But I put some photographs of it on the web and someone responded saying they thought it could be quite a rare find.
’I thought it was just a piece of cheap mass-produced jewellery from the ’70s at first. It fits my finger perfectly,’ he said.
He said the decision to search the field in the north where it was found was a spur of the moment one, after his original location proved too overgrown. The ring came to light, embedded in a clod of earth about eight inches deep, after two hours’ detecting.
Giving evidence at the first treasure trove hearing in the island since new legislation came into force last year, curator of archaeology for Manx National Heritage, Allison Fox, said rings of that type had previously been discovered in the British Isles, but nothing similar had been found in the Isle of Man before.
She said the ring was possibly of English or Irish origin and was in good condition.
It is at least 300 years old and has a minimum precious metal content of 10%, meaning it fits the definition of ’treasure’ under the 2017 act.
The ring will be further assessed and valued at the British Museum.
Mr Graham, of Sulby, said he did not believe the monetary value was great.
’I’m just happy that it has been declared treasure and the people of the Isle of Man can come and see it.
’To have something going on display in the museum is great, but any one could have found it,’ he said.
’I was just in the right place at the right time.’
The ring will go on display in the Medieval Gallery at the Manx Museum from December 16 until February 2019.