Golden cross with garnet

Three years ago a prospector with a metal detector, Paul Haigh, discovered a gold cross with a garnet in a field in Elham. It has now been acquired by the Kent Archaeological Society (KAS).

The jewel was discovered by the prospector during a hailstorm that swept through the area. However, it took three years to authenticate the cross and estimate its value. Only then could it be offered to museums such as Maidstone or the famous British Museum.

The cross was found damaged. But with the help of a computer, it was possible to create a complete likeness. The three-dimensional model was made by 3D expert Lloyd Bosworth. He specialises in archaeological finds. The cross was part of a large necklace. It probably dates from the first half of the seventh century and was cut up before it ended up buried in a field.

The cross was said to be worth up to four thousand pounds. It was the massive damage that did it in. Experts at the British Museum said at the time that if the jewel had remained intact, it would have been very attractive to buyers.

The Kent Archaeological Society declined to say how much it paid for the jewel. But it is believed the price was lower than the original estimate. The cross was discovered by Paul Haigh of the Kent Search Club. The money was split equally between the finder and the owner of the land where the jewel was found.

"I was thrilled when I found this historic relic. I actually discovered it during a hailstorm," said the happy finder. I hope that my approach helps to dispel, at least a little, the myth that all of us detectorists are only looking for financial gain. I am so happy that KAS is now the custodian of this magical artifact," Haigh added.

In practice, it's just a piece of broken jewellery. But as an archaeological artefact it has incalculable value in helping to explain the transition from paganism to Christianity in the UK. "For archaeologists, treasure is not found in gold or gems, it is about what the object can teach us. What it can tell us about its owner, who made it, what it is made of, etc. As archaeologists, we study people through the lens of the objects they leave behind," said Jo Ahmet, Upright Officer for Kent.

Historian Elizabeth Blanning said it's really great for KSA to receive the jewelry and be able to properly research it. "My first reaction was that wow. Then I thought it was a shame about the damage. But if the jewel was in one piece, we couldn't afford to buy it," she stated.

Sources: www.kentonline.co.uk