A local metal detectorist uncovered a small oval pendant made of silver, measuring roughly one inch in length. According to the artefact’s official record in the UK antiquities database, when pressed into wax, the inscription reads “SECRETVM.RICARDI”, meaning “Richard’s secret” or “Richard’s secret seal”. There is a small engraved cross accompanying the text, which is a typical symbol of Christianity in medieval Europe. Researchers told the Archaeology News website that the carved gem predates the medieval setting by more than a thousand years. According to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, combining Roman gems with medieval metalwork was rare but not unheard of.

Source: Indian Express February 04, 2026 13:10 UTC