500-year-old jewel gifted to wife of King Edward IV's close friend for sale

A 500-year-old gold brooch which was gifted to the wife of King Edward IV's close friend is on sale at auction.

The heart-shaped jewel is set to sold for £10,000, the Daily Mail reported. A metal detectorist discovered the piece of jewellery next to the castle where Lord Chamberlain William Hastings and his wife Katherine Neville resided.

It is believed to date back to 1480 when Baron Hastings, a friend of King Edward IV was building the castle. He was later executed for treason in 1483.

The medieval charm is engraved with the words 'honour and joy' in French and would have been a costly item at the time. "It would have only been worn by the most powerful women of the time and certainly fitting for a lady of Baroness Hastings' standing," Charles Hanson, of Hansons Auctioneers of Etwall, Derbyshire told the Daily Mail.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme and the British Museum authenticated the jewel. Americans fascinated by British Royal history have expressed great interest in Katherine’s brooch.

The remarkable piece of jewel will be sold on August 23.