A metal detectorist who discovered a gold mourning ring dating from the 18th century is overjoyed after it was declared a British treasure.

Malcolm Weale unearthed the ring in a field near Thetford, in Norfolk, England, last August and said he was ‘shaking’ as it sparkled in the sunlight.

The lost jewelry is believed to be a memorial ring for Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry—the 3rd Baronet of Harling—who died in 1723, a year that was engraved on the inside.

Mourning rings are worn in memory of someone who has died, typically bearing the name and date of death of the deceased, and are used to commemorate a loved one’s passing—to remember them.

They became fashionable during the Georgian Era in the early 1800s, particularly after the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, and often feature inscriptions or a brief memorial message, and often adorned with black stones or black enamel to reflect the somber nature of someone’s grief.

The ring was declared to be treasure at Norfolk Coroner’s Court this month and has been taken to the British Museum for valuation.

It is not known how much the ring could be worth but Mr. Weale dubbed it ‘one-of-a-kind’.

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Sir Bassingbourne Gawdry‘s family tree and gold mourning ring dating from the 18th century –Malcolm Weale / SWNSThe 53-year-old from East Anglia found it in a small paddock where he’d been using his detector for 18 months and already found a few medieval coins.

“It was six inches down and I dug a little careful plug out and looked in the hole.

“The sun was out and it was shining in beautiful bright pure gold. It was exactly like the day it was dropped on the ground.

“I was shaking. It is a form of time travel. Instantly you’re back to the 1700s or the Roman times.

“It is one of only two things I have found in my detecting career with a name on it. You don’t often find anything with a human connection. It is a unique ring.”

The professional metal detectorist said he began his passion at seven-years-old and was always fascinated over what could be under the ground.

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“Since I could walk I was always digging holes. My grandad bought me a metal detector—and I dug up his garden like a bowling green. He was annoyed!”

Mr. Weale once discovered the first and only Viking penny minted for Guthrum, the first Viking king to convert to Christianity.

“2024 was a good year as the levels of moisture in the ground were high,” he added.

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