Jewellery, gold and treasure – the hunt is on

It’s every child’s ultimate fantasy – finding a treasure map that leads to a treasure chest, dripping with gold coins and jewellery, with lots of adventure along the way. In real life, metal detector enthusiasts are tapping into the inner Indiana Jones in all of us. And many archaeologists think they are a vital part in uncovering ancient jewellery and artefacts.
 

Unearthing jewellery and treasure

It can be a seemingly endless and fruitless task trying to unearth jewellery and treasure, and many people can sweep field after field without finding anything apart from a few rusty cans. But there are thousands who never lose hope at the prospect of uncovering gold jewellery and other treasure. Known as the ‘detectorists’ there have been some spectacular finds over the years, including:

• Winchester – in 2000, a retired florist found 1kg of intricate gold jewellery, the jewellery predated the invasion of Britain, although it was Roman made.
   
• In 1992 an astonishing 15,000 gold and silver coins were found in Suffolk
   
• In 2004, 14 pieces of Bronze Age gold and bronze jewellery and pottery were unearthed dating back to 1300BC.
   

Jewellery and pottery

All these finds, from jewellery to pottery, were discovered by detectorists and led to archaeologists being able to take steps to excavate the sites. However, some archaeologists have concerns that detectorists are merely treasure hunters who could exploit sites of historical interest and even damage sites. In some countries across Europe, metal detectors are banned in order to protect archaeological sites from those who just want to unearth antique jewellery for the money.
 

Code of conduct

As a result of the concerns, a code of conduct has been drawn up that recognises detectorists can be invaluable for unearthing ancient jewellery and treasure, but also encourages responsible behaviour. The code was agreed by landowners, detectorists and archaeologists.

• Although finds such as 1300BC jewellery are rare, all finds are reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme at the British Museum
   
• Those who are hunting for jewellery and treasure need to get the agreement of the landowner first to agree how finds will be split.
   

There are thought to be around 30,000 metal detectorists in the UK and although the detectors can cost over a thousand pounds to buy, the mere hope of uncovering ancient gold coins or jewellery is enough for many to make such an investment.

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