'Priceless' Medieval Brooch Finds Home At V&A Museum

A metal detectorist is celebrating after London's Victoria & Albert museum announced today March 12 it had acquired for its jewellery section (main picture above) a stunning Medieval brooch found on farmland in Northamptonshire.

Gold brooch in the shape of a flower features two diamonds. Courtesy BBC

The 600-year-old brooch was found in 2017, but has only today been revealed, by Justin Owens during a dig in an old royal hunting ground near Brigstock in the county.

Dating back to between 1400 and 1450, the piece is thought to have been made in either France or Germany. It's the only one of its kind to be found in the UK, and one of only seven known in the world.

While here at Ogden of Harrogate we can't claim to have Medieval jewels we do have a selection of antique pieces such as the exquisite examples below.

18ct French gold, pearl and diamond necklace from around 1900 - stock no.66-88-040

Sapphire and diamond three stone ring in 18ct gold - stock no. 60-87-720

This ring features an old cut faceted sapphire weighing 2.77ct, set between two round old-cut diamonds with a total weight 2.70ct, each set within a multi-claw setting. 

The V&A said it was not able to reveal the monetary value of the Medieval brooch, but it has been described as "priceless".

The stunning gold triangular brooch is in the shape of a flower featuring two diamonds and one central cabochon spinel, with enamel decoration, and pearls - of which have since been lost due degradation.

The historic piece will go on display in the V&A’s William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery as part of a display on Medieval jewellery from today.

Mr Owens told the BBC: "I didn't have high hopes, thinking it might be an old bottle top or something.

"But what a discovery. Now I've seen it cleaned up I can't believe how exquisite it really is."

Here at Ogden we'd love to know if you ever unexpectedly found a beautiful piece of jewellery and what you think of the brooch Mr Owens found. Drop us a line here: https://www.ogdenharrogate.co.uk/pages/contact-us

And talking of exquisite, check out our full collection of fine jewellery here: https://www.ogdenharrogate.co.uk/pages/jewellery