An ancient gold ring, dug up by a metal detectorist in a County Durham field, has been ruled treasure by a court.

The solid gold ring, found by avid amateur metal detectorist Colin Henderson in a field in Sedgefield, is thought to date from 1350 to 1550. 

Experts told a treasure inquest at Crook Coroners' Court that the item of jewellery was likely to "have been used as a personal devotional item, or given as a gift at a wedding".

In September last year, Colin, from Newton Aycliffe, was on a metal detecting trip out with the Darlington metal detecting club Quakers Acres when he found the solid gold ring. 

Colin Henderson with the ring he found in Sedgefield. Colin Henderson with the ring he found in Sedgefield. (Image: Handout)

The item was buried around 15cm underground, and is engraved with religious iconography, showing two figures from the Biblical Annunciation. 

Because of the ring's age and precious metal content, senior assistant coroner for County Durham Crispin Oliver declared it treasure. 

He said: "Given the nature of the item, given how it was found lawfully, I have no hesitation in declaring and concluding that the item is treasure."

(Image: Handout)

"I can see why [the Auckland Project has expressed an interest in the ring] actually, it is a very, very handsome item."

The left image on the ring's exterior bezel face depicts a kneeling archangel Gabriel in robes with hands in prayer and flecked wings behind, while the right image depicts a standing nimbate Mary with her right hand across her breast. 

A treasure inquest is held when a museum wishes to acquire a find of “potential treasure”.

As set out by the British Museum, the finding will be valued by a committee, which recommends a price for the treasure trove to the Secretary of State.

The Treasure Valuation Committee are currently evaluating the find. Once its value is decided, a reward equal to the value of the item is given to the finder, and split with the landowner.

(Image: Handout)

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Intricate engravings depict religious iconography, making the ring valuable archaeologically, historically, and monetarily. 

Colin said the Finds Committee believes that it could be worth £3,000 to £5,000, but added that has seen similar items of religiously significant jewellery go for around £10,000 at auction. 

The museum will then be invoiced for the recommended amount and the finder will be paid.