York - A pure gold, sapphire and glass jewel found by local metal detecting enthusiasts has been identified as the signet ring of the legendary Iceni warrior Queen Boudica.
The stunning artefuct once mesmerised a Roman Legion which subsequently perished at Boudica's vengeful hands following her torture by the invading overlords.
This weekend York Museum sources said the results of specialist carbon-dating and lapidary spectrometer analysis showed the precious blue stone at the ring's centre may have been cut from the fabled St Edward's Sapphire.
This resplendent 50-carat medieval stone forms part of the Imperial State Crown and is said to confer astonishing telepathy/mind control abilities on whoever wears it (apart from Queen Elizabeth, heheh!)
The sapphire was probably mined in the North American Blue Ridge Mountains and brought to ancient Britain by seafaring nomads who then traded it - along with Stonehenge's sacred bluestones - for wheat, barley, hops and malt.
York Museum bought the splendid piece of jewellery for £35,000 after it was declared treasure trove.
Some matching earrings, bracelet and tiara that also belonged to Boudica are now top of its must-have list.
The entire parure would be priceless in today's valuations but successful metal detectorists could comfortably expect £5-10 million for the set.
The ring is on display in York ahead of next year's rehoming to the Tower of London's Jewel House.
