Escrick sapphire ring's mystery history sparks meeting

University of York

Leading experts gathered in York last month to try and solve the mysteries of a unique sapphire ring found near the city.

The ring, which is the second earliest example of the use of sapphire ever found in the country, has baffled archaeology experts because nothing has ever been found like it before. Its intricate design was made by a highly skilled craftsman for an extremely wealthy and powerful person.

But its style and material makes it hard to date – meaning it can’t be placed in any historical context which would give clues to its origins or possible owners.

Experts came together in York on January 25 in a bid to try and solve some of the ring’s mysteries at an event organised by the University of York and the Yorkshire Museum, where the ring is on public display.