EXPERTS are gathering in York later this month to try and solve the mystery of a sapphire ring found near the city.

The ring, which is the second earliest example of the use of sapphire to be found in the country, has baffled archaeology experts because nothing has ever been found like it before.

They believe its intricate design was created by a highly skilled craftsman for an extremely wealthy and powerful person, but its style and material make it hard to date – meaning it can’t be placed in any historical context which would give clues to its origins or possible owners.

Now experts are coming to York on January 25 in a bid to solve some of the ring’s mysteries at an event organised by the University of York and the Yorkshire Museum, where the ring is on public display.

Natalie McCaul, curator of archaeology at the museum, said: “This beautiful ring has really got us puzzled. Nothing like it has ever been found before which means it is incredibly difficult for us to date it and therefore build up a picture around it.

“To try and get a better understanding we have invited leading experts from across the country to come and see the ring up close and share their thoughts.

“It is a rare chance to get such a distinguished group together and we hope it will help us shed new light on the ring which may reveal some of its secrets.”

Katy Cubitt, a professor of early medieval history at the University of York’s, said: “The early medieval gold and sapphire ring found at Escrick is a discovery of major national importance.

“It’s an extraordinary and intriguing piece and the forthcoming workshop will be a very exciting event which, we hope, will shed light on the origin and manufacture of the ring.”

Experts from some of the UK’s top universities and leading museums will be attending the event. The maker of a replica of the ring from the Little Diamond Shop, on Lendal in York, will also attend to share his knowledge on the skills used to remake it and how this might compare to the original craftsmen.

The ring was found by metal detectorist Michael Greenhorn, from York & District Metal Detecting Club, in 2009. It measures around 2.5cm across and is intricately made of gold, prestige glass and a large sapphire.

This is the second known use of a sapphire in jewellery found in the country, the first being a fifth century Roman example.

The Yorkshire Museum raised £35,000 to buy the ring, with grants of £10,000 from the Art Fund, £10,000 from the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, £10,000 from the Headley Trust and £1,000 from York Philosophical Society.