[Artemisia] 800-year-old ring is full of mystery

[Mark Chapman]

This appeared on another list that I am on & thought that it might be of 
interest.  (The link is simply a repeat of this message.  Included for 
referance only.)
Adne

>    800-year-old ring is full of mystery
>    Jul 15 2005
>    By Duncan Gibbons
>
>    icCoventry
>    http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/
>
>          AN 800-YEAR-OLD mystical ring unearthed in Warwickshire goes
>          on public display for the first time tomorrow.
>
>          The precious gold and garnet band features a mysterious
>          cryptic message, written in olde worlde French which has
>          archaeology experts baffled.
>
>          It appears to say the words "Je suis une fleur" (I am a
>          flower) and "amour" (love) but some of letters of the
>          inscription are reversed and turned upside down.
>
>          Boffins from the British Museum believe it could be a coded
>          token of affection between two lovers, or even a medieval
>          spell.
>
>          People will be able to see and decide for themselves when the
>          ring goes on indefinite display at the Warwickshire Museum, in
>          Market Place, Warwick, from tomorrow.
>
>          Sara Wear, keeper of archaeology at the museum, said it was a
>          great find.
>
>          She said: "We are incredibly lucky to have this rare find on
>          display, especially as it coincides with the launch of the
>          sixth Harry Potter book. One day we may be able to unlock its
>          magical secrets."
>
>          She said the ring was in excellent condition as gold does not
>          tarnish, although there is a slight kink along one of the
>          edges.
>
>          The ring was found by an amateur treasure-hunter using a metal
>          detector in a farmer's field in Wixford, near Alcester, back
>          in 2002.
>
>          It was bought for the museum for a secret four-figure sum with
>          the help of a grant from the National Art Collections Fund.
>
>