Field day: discover rings found by metal detectorists at Noonans sale

When 85-year-old Tom Clark tried out his new metal detector in a pasture field near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, he returned home with more than he bargained for.

His first discovery was a Roman bronze coin. Then, three paces further, he found a Georgian gilded brooch followed by what looked to be a medieval gold seal ring. Displaying the name ‘Grenvil’, he immediately recognised it as one of the ancestral surnames of the nearby manor house.

Identified as belonging to George Grenville, prime minister between 1763-65, the 23cm ring will be offered at Noonans Mayfair on June 11 with an estimate of £6000-8000.

Here are other items discovered by metal detecting worth a look in Noonans’ Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu sale on June 11.

A medieval gold sapphire stirrup ring dating from the late 13^th or early 14^th century with the original heart-shaped cabochon sapphire (20mm), found in Essex pre-1997, estimate £1200-1400

A 15th century silver-gilt finger ring, the bezel depicting two clasped hands (23mm), estimate £200-300

An early 17th century gold enamel and rock crystal ring, found by a metal detectorist in Lincolnshire in 2021, estimate £1200-1500

A 16th century Elizabethan gold ring set with a high relief white chalcedony cameo carved to depict the head of Cupid, found by a metal detector in Essex before 1997, estimate £800-1000