It was discovered by a metal detectorist in 1985 near Middleham Castle, the northern home of Richard III, and acquired by the Yorkshire Museum in York for £2.5 million.

The obverse bears a representation of the Trinity, including the Crucifixion of Jesus, bordered by a Latin inscription "Ecce Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi ... miserere nobis ... tetragramaton ... Ananyzapta" (Translation: "Behold the Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.

The back panel slides to reveal a hollow interior, which originally contained three and a half tiny discs of silk embroidered with gold thread.

The blue colour of the sapphire (related to the Virgin Mary), the presence of several female saints and the depiction of the Nativity scene suggest that the jewel may have been intended to assist childbirth.

The sapphire set above the Crucifixion may have been intended to have other magical or medicinal qualities as well, being able to cure ulcers, poor eyesight, headaches and stammers.

[4] At a treasure trove inquiry it was declared lost or abandoned and sold at Sotheby's in 1986 for £1.4 million,[6] but an export licence was temporarily refused to allow matching funds to be raised.