The wife's a real treasure!
IT'S a romantic gesture that knocks spots off most men's efforts.
Steve Pickering has given his girlfriend an eternity ring modelled on one that dates back to the 16th century.
And Steve should know - he found the original while he was out doing a spot of metal detecting.
Steve unearthed the 500-year-old posie ring – or love ring – in a field in Little Ribston in February 2008.
Bus driver Steve, from Bramley, was doubly delighted with his discovery when he got home and found the ring fit perfectly the finger of his partner Angie Baggott.
The couple had hoped to keep the ring – inscribed in Olde English with Desire Hath No Reste.
But the North Yorkshire coroner declared it treasure and it was sent to the British Museum in London for valuation.
Though not worth a huge amount of money, the ring was deemed a “significant find” and the museum kept hold of it – though Steve was paid an undisclosed “reward” to share with the landowner.
He’s now used that cash to pay for a specially-commissioned replica - which Angie proudly wears.
Steve, 49, said: “It seemed like fate that I found the ring because of the inscription and that it fit her perfectly.
“But I’m a responsible metal detectorist and I knew because of its age that I had to declare it.
“We had hoped to keep it but the British Museum wanted it, too.
“I knew Angie had fallen in love with it so that’s when I came up with the idea of getting Angie a replica made.
“It’s taken a while but I was able to give it to her just before Valentine’s Day.”
The replica was made by Nigel Tate of Farsley-based Gem-T Jewellers, who worked from photographs of the original sent by the British Museum.
He used computer technology to make a 3D model of the ring and then a mould which he cast with 18ct gold.
Nigel said: “We do make bespoke jewellery for people but this is the most unusual thing I have ever been asked to make. It’s very beautiful.”
The original ring goes on permanent display at Knaresborough Museum from Easter. Steve added: “We will definitely go and visit it. We’re a little part of its history, now.”
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Weather for Wetherby
Sunday 05 February 2012
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