800-Year-Old Medieval Gold Brooch Found in UK
David Edwards, 44, discovered an 800-year-old fragment buried about four inches below the surface of the farm near his home in Cardigan, west Wales, while unearthing the metal after work.
The emerald-studded brooch, which measures less than an inch wide and weighs just over four grams, has been described by experts as ‘one of a kind’.
The artifact, known as the annular turret brooch, is believed to date back to the 13th century and belong to a high-ranking nobleman such as a duke or earl.
Its rarity is that it is worth at least £10,000, with one expert saying it can sell for 10 times that amount at auction.
Metal detectorist David Edwards, 44, unearths an 800-year-old gold brooch, worth up to £100,000
The emerald-studded brooch, which measures less than an inch wide and weighs just over four grams, has been described by experts as ‘one of a kind’.
The father of two Mr Edwards said he was ‘shocked’ when he revealed the surprising piece.
He said: ‘It was an evening with thick clouds and I went out after work. I only had an hour a day to play so I didn’t expect miracles.
‘ Within half an hour it popped up. The ground was fresh seed and it was only four inches from the top. It was turned upside down so at first I couldn’t see its pretty intricate pattern.
‘I called my metal detection friend on FaceTime to have a big reveal with him, then I turned him around. By then I got excited and started trembling. It was wonderful.’
Mr Edwards said he had gone to the farm near his home after work and had only an hour to search before the lights went out.
The Vastu Technician didn’t expect to find anything, but after 30 minutes his machine got activated.
When he dug about four inches down, he was stunned to find the emerald-studded brooch, with an intricate sword-shaped pin covered in mud.
Mr Edwards said he had gone to the farm near his home after work and had only an hour to search before the lights went out. When he dug about four inches down, he was stunned to find an emerald-studded brooch covered with clay with an intricate sword-shaped pin.
He said: ‘I had seen similar ones in books, so I knew it was about 700 years old. I couldn’t believe the little pin was still working.
‘I was too afraid to clean it there because I could see how delicate it was.. I took the brooch home and gave it a gentle wash and the turquoise emerald revealed itself.
‘I’ve stumbled upon a silver brooch in a similar style before, which is rare in itself, but I’ve never seen anything like it. Made of gold and with such a beautiful stone it is really special to find.
‘There are four turrets, all of which will have stones.
‘It would have been of a very high status person – not your average farmer. A noble person would have worn it. I found it on the outskirts of the cardigan, so they may have been traveling there when they lost it.
‘I would not like to say how much it costs – the sky is the limit.’
The artifact, known as the annular turret brooch, is believed to date back to the 13th century and belonged to a high-ranking nobleman such as a duke or earl.
Its rarity is that it is worth less than £10,000, with one expert saying it can sell for 10 times that amount at auction.
Julian Evan-Hart, an expert in rare treasures and editor of Treasure Hunting magazine, said there was ‘nothing else’ to compare to the exceptionally unique artwork.
He said: ‘It is an absolutely stunning piece of jewellery, which I have no doubt was worn by a duke or earl – perhaps someone with military connections because of the sword-shaped pin.
‘It would have been illegal for the lower classes to carry such fine gold.
‘Because it’s so unique, we can’t be sure of the final price – there’s nothing that has gone to market that we can compare it to.
‘It will sell for as little as £10,000 but could go up to £100,000.’
The artwork is currently undergoing the process of treasury as per the Treasury Act 1996.
A coroner will decide whether the finder should offer the items for sale to the museum for a price determined by its value at auction or if Mr. Edwards can keep it.
Whatever income he makes has to be shared with the owner of the farm.
