Amateur treasure hunter stumbles across rare £20,000 Tudor ring with basic eBay metal detector… and nearly threw it away
The 43-year-old was made a wealthier man after selling the antique ring for an estimated five-figure sum
A TUDOR ring found in a muddy field by an amateur metal detector enthusiast has sold for an estimated £20,000.
Lee Rossiter, 43, almost threw the item away after a detectorist pal said he thought it was costume jewellery.
But technical writer Lee, who found the ring in Harrogate, North Yorks, said: “I asked our dig organiser and luckily he confirmed this was definitely an antique ring, most likely Tudor gold.”
Experts confirmed the ring is 80 per cent gold and contains rubies and emeralds.
Wartski, known for plying royalty with their jewellery for generations, has scooped the 15th century double-bezel chased finger ring for an undisclosed fee. It believed to be worth in the region of £20,000.
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Lee had only started his metal detecting hobby 18 months ago.
He decided to join the Yorkshire Searchers Metal Detecting Club after buying a basic metal detector on eBay.
Kieran McCarthy, director of Wartski, said: "We have a strong interest in medieval rings and were thrilled to have the opportunity of purchasing this one.
"Jewels of this calibre are extraordinarily rare and it is magical when the ground presents them as gifts to those who look for them."
The 15th Century gold "love ring sold at auction in West London for an undisclosed sum.
Lee intends to split the cash with the landowner.