17th century ring found in Roydon field fails to sell at London auction

A 17th century gold ring – found by a metal detectorist in a Roydon field – which was estimated to make around £14,000 at a London auction house has failed to sell.

The find, which was made by detectorist Alan Rumsby, was a lot at Noonans Mayfair’s jewellery, watches, silver and objects of vertu sale on March 12.

The discovery was made by the 75-year-old retired carpenter from Norwich on October 4, 2020, in a stubble field in the village.

Though experts at the London auctioneers estimate that it could go for between £14,000 to £16,000 and said the ring has historical significance due to its bespoke design it had no bidders on the day.

But all was not lost for the detectorist who was hoping to take his wife, who he cares for, on a holiday with his cut of the auction money as it was sold to a bidder after the auction, by the auctioneer’s agreement, below its reserve.