
A jewel-encrusted ring discovered by an amateur treasure hunter is expected to sell for £30,000 when it is auctioned at Sotheby's in London this afternoon, along with several pieces of 15th century jewelry. The stunning ring is an early example of a love and marriage ring, with the bond between husband and wife symbolized by two different gems: a point-cut diamond and a rounded ruby.
A shy enthusiast uncovered the 15th Century 'love ring' with a metal detector near Launde Abbey in Leicestershire, a monastery once owned by Henry VIII's advisor Thomas Cromwell.
Impressed by the structure and its location during his survey at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, the highborn presented the building to himself, writing in his diary: 'Myself for Launde'.

The land where the Abbey stands had been home to a large and wealthy Augustinian Priory since the 12th century. It now serves as a Christian retreat and conference center.
Erik Bijzet, Sotheby's Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art specialist, said: 'The movement of wealthy patrons around a major monastery, the violence with which the rich institution must have been taken for the Crown, and the importance of the subsequent inhabitants are all reasons for a ring of this significance to have been deposited in its vicinity.' Source: Mail Online.
Nowadays, the crown doesn't take anyone's property by force. Instead, the public pay taxes, some of which is used to maintain the monarchy's many buildings.
My hope is for balance and equality in all things, between men and women, between the supremely wealthy and the impoverished population, and between good and evil. I'm wondering if history has taught us anything.