Fulford ring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fulford ring |
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| Material | Gold, with emerald and ruby settings. |
| Period/culture | Medieval |
| Discovered | 29 December 2016 Fulford, North Yorkshire |
| Present location | Yorkshire Museum, York |
| Identification | YORYM-DE9DA0 YORYM : 2019.51 |
The Fulford ring is a beautiful gold ring from the Middle Ages. It has sparkling green emeralds and red rubies. A metal detectorist named Paul Ibbotson found it in December 2016. Today, you can see it at the Yorkshire Museum in York, which bought it in 2019.
What the Fulford Ring Looks Like
This amazing ring is from the 1400s. It is still complete and in great shape. The ring has a ruby and an emerald set into a special double setting. This setting holds the gems firmly in place.
The sides of the ring band have fancy carved designs. These designs were once filled with a black material called niello. This made the patterns stand out more.
The ring is about 19.7 millimeters long and 7.1 millimeters wide. Its inside opening is 15.6 millimeters across. It weighs 4.42 grams, which is about the same as a few paperclips.
Scientists used special tools to study the ring. They used X-ray fluorescence to learn about the metal. This showed the ring is mostly gold, with some silver and copper. They also used Raman spectroscopy to identify the gemstones. This confirmed they were real emeralds and rubies.
Why the Fulford Ring is Special
The Fulford ring was likely a love token or a betrothal ring. People in the Middle Ages gave these rings to show their love or to promise marriage.
Back then, people believed gemstones had special meanings. Medieval books about gems said that emeralds stood for purity. Rubies were thought to represent love and to prevent anger. These qualities were very important for relationships in those times.
How the Ring Was Acquired and Displayed
The York Museums Trust bought the Fulford ring in 2019. It cost £20,000. Money came from different groups, including the Headley Museums Archaeological Acquisition Fund and the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund. Many people also donated money to help buy it.
The ring was first shown to the public in September 2019. You can now see it on display at the Yorkshire Museum.
