A father-of-two has found a medieval 24-carat gold brooch thought to be worth up to £100,000.
David Edwards (44), discovered the piece, which is approximately 800 years old, while metal-detecting in the evenings near Cardigan, West Wales.
Experts have described the emerald-encrusted brooch as “one of a kind”. It is just one inch in width and only four grams in weight.
According to some, the artifact known as the annular-turreted brooch dates back to 13th century. The owner was a nobleman of high status, such as a duke or earl.
Such is its rarity that it is worth at least £10,000, with one expert stating it could sell for 10 times that amount at auction.
Metal detectorist David Edwards, 44, unearthed an 800-year-old gold brooch thought to be worth up to £100,000
Experts describe the brooch with emerald encrusted as being ‘one-of-a-kind’. It measures less than one inch across and is only 4 grams.
Edwards, father-of-two said that he was amazed to find the incredible piece.
His comment was that it was dark, overcast and he had to go out after work. Because I had only an hour of sunlight to work with, I didn’t expect miracles.
It popped right up in less than half an hour. It was just four inches away from the top, and was fresh seeded. The ground was upside-down so I could not see the intricate patterns.
“I called my friend who is metal detector on FaceTime and did the big reveal. Then I reversed it. The moment I got home, I felt excited and began shaking. It was unbelievable.
Edwards stated that he was driving to the farmlands near his home in search of light after work. He had less than an hour to look before it went out.
Although the technician was not expecting to find any, his machine started working after just 30 minutes.
After digging down about four inches, he was stunned when he found the intricately shaped brooch covered in mud.
Edwards claimed that he had only an hour before the sun set on farmland nearby his house. Edwards was amazed to uncover the brooch covered with emeralds, and a pin of intricate sword shape that was covered in dirt.
He explained that similar versions had been found in books so I was certain it was approximately 700 years-old. The little pin worked perfectly!
“I couldn’t clean the brooch there as I saw how fragile it was. After I returned the brooch to my house, the turquoise emerald was revealed.
“I have seen silver brooches with similar designs before. But, I’ve never seen one like it.” It’s really rare to find one in gold with such beautiful stones.
“There were four turrets that all contained stones.
It would belong to someone of very high standing – it wouldn’t be your average farmer. This would be worn by a noble man. It was found on the edge of Cardigan, so it is possible that they were travelling when it disappeared.
“I would not like to tell how much it is worth, the sky’s your limit.”
The artifact is known as the annular turreted, or brooch with turreted, and dates back to the 13th Century. It belonged, it seems, to a nobleman of high standing, such as a duke, or an earl.
Such is its rarity that it is worth at least £10,000, with one expert stating it could sell for 10 times that amount at auction
Julian Evan Hart, an expert in rare treasures, and Treasure Hunting editor, stated that the artefact was unique because there is nothing comparable.
His words were: “This piece of jewel is stunning and I am certain it was worn in the past by a Duke or an Earl – possibly someone connected to military service because of the pin with a sword shape.”
“It would be illegal for lower classes to have such fine gold.
“Because the product is unique, it cannot be determined if it will have a market value. There is no comparable product that has been on the market.
‘It would sell for a minimum of £10,000 but could go for up to £100,000.’
The Treasure Act 1996 has the artifact currently in the process of being treasured.
An inquest will rule on whether the finder can sell the item to a museum at a value determined from its auction sale price or keep it.
All proceeds he earns will be split with the property owner.