Swedish woman finds 2,000-year-old ring in field

GUDHEM, Sweden, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- A Swedish woman who discovered a gold ring in a field said it has been confirmed to be more than 2,000 years old.

Camilla Lundin, 51, said she discovered the ring in a field at a farm in Gudhem and sent a picture to her brother, who said he believed it to be an ancient treasure, The Local.se reported Friday.

"When he told me it was an ancient gold ring, it felt like a gift from the underworld," Lundin told The Local.se. "It was my magnificent ring. I didn't want to give it up."

Swedish law specifies archaeological discoveries more than 100 years old automatically belong to the finders, but in the case of alloys such as gold they must allow the government to examine and potentially purchase the object.

Lundin contacted the Swedish National Heritage Board, which confirmed the ring was made during the Roman Iron Age, more than 2,000 years ago. She was given $1,672 for the ring.

"I guess I knew right away it was special, but I had no idea just how valuable it was," Lundin said. "I haven't decided what to do with the money yet, but it will definitely be something special. Maybe I'll travel somewhere."

Officials said they searched the area where the ring was found, but they did not find any further artifacts.