The ring, built around an oval-shaped purple stone, was discovered atop a molehill at Dundonald Castle in South Ayrshire. It now forms a part of the National Museums of Scotland collections after being reported by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle's owners. READ MORE: 'Do the right thing': Stephen Flynn writes to Anas Sarwar ahead of winter fuel vote The stone at the centre of the ring is believed to be made from amethyst, and the piece is thought to have been made by a goldsmith in Scotland or England in the late 1400s or early 1500s.
The band of the ring is carved with folate designs, with one side featuring what appears to be a vine while the other shows a stem with seven spiky leaves. An expert has described the ring as an "elite object", that could have been believed to provide "protective qualities" for the wearer. Dr Georgia Vullinghs, National Museums Scotland’s curator of Renaissance and early modern history, told The Times: “It is a beautiful example of Renaissance stone-set jewellery from Scotland and enhances our current collection.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer panned as he claims Labour are 'going to have to be unpopular' “Based on the style of the ring, we can date it to the late 15th, early 16th century. “The ring comprises a gold band set with a single polished oval pink-purple coloured stone, likely amethyst. The stone may have been believed to hold protective qualities for the wearer.
“This is certainly an elite object. The ring likely belong.