27-05-2025
1,500-year-old pendant discovered in secret Norfolk location
A piece of early medieval jewellery that laid buried for almost 1,500 years has been declared an official treasure.
Discovered by a metal detectorist, the 7th-century oval pendant consisting of gold and a cabochon garnet was found in north Norfolk during October last year.
A treasure inquest held at Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that the piece is 'relatively small but beautifully made'.
A gold and garnet pendant found in north Norfolk last year (Image: Norfolk County Council) Made sometime between c600AD and c700AD, it is an example of a well-known pendant type of that era.
Its inspiration comes from Hellenistic jewellery, which is said to have a very classical, restrained appearance.
The Hellenistic period, spanning from 323 BC to 30 BC, marked a significant era in ancient history and was characterised by the spread of Greek culture across a vast empire established by Alexander the Great.
The pendant itself is constructed on a gold backplate, which has a border of thick beaded wire, flanked by a pair of slim plain wires, around the edge.
The beading has been made with a swage or "beading file" - a tool which probably had a single groove flanked by teeth.
On the reverse, the backplate is dented and hollowed in the centre.
The gem is a very neatly shaped and highly polished cabochon which, although very dark, appears reddish.
Dr Helen Geake (Image: Newsquest) A report from archaeologist Helen Geake, the county's finds liaison officer, was read to the court, based at County Hall in Norwich. In it, Dr Geake said the gem was 'probably a garnet'.
It total, the piece weighs 1.90g, which is around the same weight of a pomegranate.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show there were 132 treasure finds declared to coroners in 2024 in Norfolk.
This was more than the year before, when there were 95.
