These are elements of the necklace that is making news headlines today: the “Harpole treasure” discovered back in April of 2022. On December 6, news was officially released about the burial dating from 630-670 CE that archaeologists from the Vistry Group unearthed in Northamptonshire. One of the most significant of its kind, it contained a uniquely complete necklace made up of gold “spacers” and an enormous number of pendants — Ancient Roman coins, gold within glass beads, and this large garnet-filled cross square, among other precious stones.
Also in the Harpole Treasure are the remains of a giant cross, made with garnets and human faces decorating the ends. Archaeologist Katherine Newton speculates that the treasure was likely buried with a woman who had been an important early Christian leader. The only human remains to be found, however, were some teeth enamel residue, and the treasure is still being analyzed.
It is amazing that these sorts of finds are still being discovered.
Sources: https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/%E2%80%98once-lifetime%E2%80%99-1300-year-old-gold-and-gemstone-necklace-discovered-within-internationally, https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/dec/06/medieval-female-burial-site-found-near-harpole-is-most-significant-ever-discovered-in-uk
