Details

COLEM:2002.164

Colchester Collections

ring, finger ring

This early medieval gold ring was found by a metal-detectorist in Fingringhoe, Essex. The ring is similar to earlier Roman styles and incorporates gold and garnet, favourite decorative materials of the Anglo-Saxons. The ring has a broad hoop, which expands to form a double bezel set with two garnets. The shoulders are decorated with a leaf-like design accentuated with lines of raised dots. Fifth century AD.This ring is included in the Mythical Creatures exhibition as part of the dragon's hoard. According to some legends, dragons were known for hoarding treasure and they especially had a love of gold. This originated in early medieval stories. One account from the poem Beowulf describes the theft of a golden cup from a dragon’s hoard. The dragon, in anger at their treasure being stolen, destroyed the nearby town.

0400 - 0500

Medieval, early

gold, garnet

height: 19.00 mm
band, internal diameter: 15.00 mm
weight: 4.80 g