Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins blocked the export of unique medieval gold rings as an object of “irreplaceable historical value” to the country. Dutch buyers will now have six weeks to buy the ring (although it is possible to extend the time to six months if the owner agrees). This is the first time the Minister of Culture initiated the process to preserve the Netherlands’ privately protected cultural assets.

The history of rings can be traced back to the 9th or 10th century. It weighs eight grams in total and is made of a thin piece of gold bent on the fingers, with four stylized faces engraved in the circles on the top, bottom, left and right of the ring. The outer curve of the circle is bordered by rope pattern. Four times were performed between the four lobes in the center of the ring. Archaeologists believe that these figures represent four missionaries, the Lamb of God among them. The facial features and the background of the lamb are defined by the bold inlay of Niello in black.

The archaeological materials from this period rarely survived in the Netherlands, and the design of this ring is unique. Gold alone will be very valuable, and the Christian theme may indicate that it is owned by senior church officials like the bishop. It could also be a diplomatic gift to the local rulers of the Southern Dynasty.

It was discovered on May 8, 1997 by metal detective Pieter de Jong on a construction site in Sumar that the building was planned to be redeveloped as an industrial estate. It has since been exhibited at the regional museum in Burgum and has been placed on the Netherlands Register of Conservation Cultural Assets in 2022.

If no local buyer stepped up the purchase of the ring within six weeks, the Dutch government will acquire the ring from the national collection based on the valuation determined by two independent appraisers. The Dutch Heritage Act is not like the UK declares property of a country of cultural significance and then provides the finder/land owner with the amount of its market value. Private owners are still allowed to determine the price they are willing to accept, so who knows the outcome of that negotiation. If the Netherlands can get the ring, they put it in a permanent public exhibition in the museum.