Editor’s Note
This article details the remarkable discovery of a 14th-century gold ring at Zvolen Castle, Slovakia. Its unique gemstone and symbolism offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval craftsmanship and belief.
A rare 700-year-old gold ring has been unearthed at Zvolen Castle in Slovakia. The 18-karat gold ring is adorned with two lion heads and set with an extremely rare purplish-red sapphire from Sri Lanka. Beyond its beauty, the ring holds significant historical and religious value.
The ring was initially discovered by a treasure hunter in 2001 but did not come into the hands of archaeologists until 2023. Experts from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra conducted scientific analyses and published their findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science on June 4, 2025.
Researchers examined the ring using non-invasive techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and micro X-ray fluorescence. They confirmed the ring is made of 18-karat gold and set with a 2-carat corundum—a mineral that includes sapphires and rubies. Despite the gemstone’s ruby-like hue, it was identified as a sapphire due to subtle differences in its chemical composition and color.
Gemological tests determined the sapphire originated from Sri Lanka, a region renowned for its sapphire mines since Roman times. Researchers believe the gem reached Central Europe via historical trade routes, such as those passing through Aleppo or Constantinople.
The ring’s uniqueness lies not only in its materials but also in its design. Lion heads were common in medieval heraldry but rarely appeared on rings. In the Middle Ages, lions symbolized strength, courage, and royal dignity, while in Christian iconography, they represented resurrection and rebirth.
Such ceremonial rings served as official insignia, embodying spiritual protection, social status, and wealth.
Although the ring’s design dates back to the early 1300s, it remains unclear when and how it was lost. Zvolen Castle declined in the latter half of the 14th century, and the ring was found in a section of the castle’s inner courtyard.
This extraordinary artifact is notable not only for its rarity but also for its cultural and religious significance. It offers a glimpse into an era when jewelry was more than mere adornment—it was a powerful expression of rank, faith, and social connections.