A medieval Bishop's ring from more than 800 years ago is up for auction : NPR

Manuela López Restrepo

The gold ring was uncovered in 2019. Noonans hide caption

It sounds like a dream scenario for your average metal detectorist.

Picture yourself in a field, searching for hidden treasures, when suddenly you spot something shiny. Could it be gold?

For retired firefighter Mark Sell in Norfolk, England, the experience was even more remarkable. He discovered not just gold, but a Medieval Bishop's ring dating back to the late 12th to early 13th century.

In November, 2019, Sell discovered the rare jewel in immaculate condition, with all its gemstones intact, in Shipdham, Norfolk. The ring was temporarily displayed at a museum dedicated to human history, culture and art. It is now scheduled to be auctioned at Noonans Mayfair, a London auction house, later this month.

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While the ring was in the care of the British Museum, it was displayed temporarily for public viewing.

According to a Noonan representative, the Norwich Castle Museum has shown interest in acquiring the ring for permanent display. Originally a medieval royal fortification, the museum now serves as an art gallery and showcases significant objects from the region, including works of art, archaeological finds, and natural history specimens

The gold ring features a six-sided central hexagonal cabochon sapphire, complemented by two emeralds and two garnet stones, as described by Sell.