Gold ring, Drumlanrig

Sometimes called ring money or hair ring, the purpose of this exceptional object is unknown. It was found by a metal detectorist near Drumlanrig, and appears to have been dropped by mistake by its owners.   Finds like this are rare in Scotland, with most other examples coming from the north and east, and only one from Galloway.  Most Bronze Age metalwork, including this ring, has been found in the lowlands and river valleys.  Traders and settlers used these routes to move between the Solway shore and Ayrshire.   This ring has been studied by specialists, who have discovered that it has a solid gold core with alternating gold and silver bands.