Two gold Bronze Age bracelets
Unknown artist, 900
These two gold Bronze Age bracelets were unearthed in the Uttlesford district of north-west Essex. They are examples of the penannular type (circular or oval, with a small open section) found across Britain and Ireland, and reflect the taste for heavy gold jewellery in north-western Europe at this date.
The bracelets are of solid construction, with a combined weight of slightly more than 195g. They were made from a cast gold bar, which was further worked and shaped under heat and then polished. The bands are D-shaped in section, with flared terminals.
Such items of jewellery were high-status objects that made a statement about the wealth of the owner. The bracelets may have been concealed for safe keeping, or deliberately buried as some form of offering.
They now become the star prehistoric exhibits in the local museum at Saffron Walden.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Two gold Bronze Age bracelets, 900
Date supported
2020
Medium and material
Solid gold bracelets
Grant
12500
Total cost
45000
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