Recently, archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in the grave of Queen Kaarina Maununtytär, who lived from 1550 to 1612, by uncovering a gold ring that belonged to her. The find took place at Turku Cathedral, where historically, there have been no other confirmed personal items associated with the queen that have survived to the present day. Researcher Ulla Nordfors highlighted that such rings were luxurious and fashionable among the upper class in the 16th century.

The gold ring features a turquoise gemstone and black enamel decoration but lacks engravings or maker's marks. It is in good condition and does not require conservation, a fortunate circumstance given its historical significance. The ring was hidden beneath a nest made by rats, tightly nestled with one of the queen’s finger bones, underscoring not only its value but also the unexpected nature of its discovery.

The last excavation of Kaarina Maununtytär's grave at Turku Cathedral occurred in 1867, when small silk scraps were found in the region of the partially mummified body, which was interpreted as evidence of embalming practices. As research continues, this latest discovery may challenge previous understandings of the queen's life and the historical context of her era, offering insights into the material culture of 16th-century Finland.