# Digitization of the Ilminster Roman Ring

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/digitization-of-the-ilminster-roman-ring
> Updated: 2026-08-24T16:00:35.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Ilminster Ring, a 1,700-year-old Roman gold artifact dating to 297 AD, has been digitized through a collaborative project involving the Somerset Council Library Service, the South West Heritage Trust, and the Ilminster Arts Centre.

Using a 3D hand scanner funded by the British Library, experts created a highly detailed digital model of the ring. This technology enabled the production of a geometrically faithful 3D-printed replica, allowing visitors to handle and examine the object closely while protecting the original gold ring—which features a carved niello gemstone depicting the goddess Victoria—from physical contact.

The project and its replica were showcased during the Ilminster Roman Ring Discovery Day. The initiative highlights how digital manufacturing and 3D scanning can support heritage conservation and public engagement by making fragile historical items more accessible to the community.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Somerset Libraries use 3D scanning to recreate Roman-era ring

Somerset Council used 3D scanning and printing to create a replica of the 1,700-year-old Ilminster Ring, allowing the Roman-era artifact to be studied and displayed alongside a safe, digital reproduction.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somerset-libraries-use-3d-scanning-to-recreate-roman-era-ring

### 2026-08-20: Ilminster Ring digitized via 3D scanning and printing

A 1,700-year-old Roman gold ring known as the Ilminster Ring has been 3D scanned and replicated to allow public handling without risking the original artifact.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ilminster-ring-digitized-via-3d-scanning-and-printing

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Cite as: Digitization of the Ilminster Roman Ring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/digitization-of-the-ilminster-roman-ring