A remarkable discovery in England is offering jewelry lovers a rare glimpse into how recycled precious materials can sometimes bridge a millennium. Recently analyzed by experts, a small medieval silver seal found in Essex combines craftsmanship from two vastly different eras — an 800-year-old silver setting built around a 2,000-year-old Roman gemstone.
The object, uncovered by a metal detectorist near the village of Gosfield in 2024, measures just over an inch long and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce. Yet despite its modest size, the piece tells an extraordinary story of status, symbolism and the enduring appeal of fine materials.
At its center sits a polished carnelian intaglio, engraved with a dynamic scene of a charioteer racing a two-horse chariot — imagery dating to the late first century BC or early first century AD. Surrounding the stone is a medieval silver bezel engraved in reverse with the Latin inscription “SECRETVM RICARDI,” meaning “Richard’s secret,” along with a small cross pattée, a Christian symbol common in the Middle Ages.
Because both the inscription and the carved gemstone are mirror images, the piece functioned as a personal seal, pressed into wax to authenticate letters and documents. A loop on the back suggests the owner likely wore it as a pendant, keeping his symbol of identity and authority close at hand.
What makes the Gosfield seal especially fascinating is the intentional blending of eras. Specialists note that objects combining components from periods separated by more than a millennium are rare in the archaeological record. The medieval owner — known only as Richard — may have chosen the ancient Roman gem deliberately, both to demonstrate knowledge of the classical world and to signal wealth and connections. Possessing an antique gemstone from a distant time and culture would have been a powerful status symbol.
The choice of carnelian was no accident. Prized for thousands of years across Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Roman Empire, the warm reddish-orange stone was associated with life, courage and protection. Romans, in particular, favored carnelian for signet rings because of a practical advantage: its smooth, waxy surface doesn’t stick to hot sealing wax, allowing for clean, detailed impressions.
That same beauty and durability continue to make carnelian a favorite today. With a Mohs hardness of about 6.5 to 7, the gemstone is suitable for everyday wear and remains popular in rings, pendants and beaded jewelry. Its rich, fiery color complements both silver and gold settings and appears in styles ranging from bohemian designs to high-end designer collections.
The silver matrix itself is believed to date from the 13th or 14th century, meaning the Roman gemstone was already more than a thousand years old when it was reset. The object has been submitted for consideration as treasure under the UK’s Treasure Act, and a local museum hopes to acquire it for public display.
Credit: Images courtesy of Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service.