In the depressing dimness of Covid Christmas, gold and silver - ancient, medieval precious metal unearthed from the soil, shines brightly.

Four incredible items of jewellery - three from the Middle Ages - have been discovered by metal detectorists working land in Staffordshire, it was revealed this week.

And the exciting finds were all declared treasure trove by South Staffs coroner Andrew Haigh at an inquest held on Wednesday.

The 17th century vervel - a ring used to identify falconers bird - has caused the biggest stir because of its links to a renowned Anglo-Irish dynasty.

Found by Paul Shorthouse in Harlaston, near Tamworth, the vervel bears the inscription "Lord Brabazon".

The Brabazons' family tree has roots deep in history. The 1st Lord Brabazon, Baron of Ardee, purchased Warwickshire's Nether Whitacre estate in 1598 and became High Sheriff of Staffordshire. He died in 1625 aged 77.

All the finds were declared treasure by south Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh.

The 1st Earl may well have been the vervel's original owner. His grandson, the 2nd Ear lof Meath, fought for the Royalists in the Civil War and, according to records, "drowned off Holyhead enroute to England".

The Potteries Museum, in Stoke, has expressed an interest in displaying the vervel.

A small silver socket or mount, decorated with animal heads, still has experts baffled.

Found on open land in the village of Hamstall Ridware, near Rugeley, they know it dates back to the late ninth century: they just don't know what it was used for.

The item - referred to as a zoomorphic - is nearly identical to two others found earlier in the same field.

A spokesperson for the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme said: "Some of these items have been interpreted as decorative fittings from the tips of drinking-horns, while those with flat bases have been interpreted as manuscript pointers.

"The bulbous form of the present artefact does not appear to suit either function. Another possibility is it was attached to the end of a cord or lace, as some form of clothing terminal."

The mystery item also seems destined for the Potteries Museum. There's no doubt surrounding the piece of gold discovered on the outskirts of Audley Rural, near Newcastle-under-Lyme.

It is a 14th century finger ring, unearthed during the first Covid lockdown. The only puzzle is the dark red gem on its bezel: the type of stone has not yet been identified.

The Brampton Museum, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, wants the ring.

A gilded ring, made between 1100 and 1500AD, was also found near Tamworth. The inscription on it reads "Good bere bourd."

That, too, has historians guessing. The spokesperson explained: "In medieval English ‘bere’ relates to land for barley, which is probably where the word ‘beer’ comes from.

In Middle English 'bourde'means a joke, jesting, banter.

"It is uncertain of the meaning of the inscription, although it is fun to surmise."

Tamworth Castle is interested in acquiring the ring for its treasure display, which is planned to open next year. Now all the items have been declared treasure, they can be valued.