AuctionsMar 10, 2023
These Retirees Discovered Auction-Worthy Antique JewelsMajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval Jewels
The 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
Dutch historian Lorenzo Ruijter was exploring the city of Hoogwoud in northern Holland with a metal detector when he found a collection of medieval jewelry and coins. (Photo © Archeology West-Friesland/Fleur Schinning)
Leiden, Netherlands—In 2021, Dutch historian Lorenzo Ruijter was exploring Hoogwoud, a small city in northern Holland, with a metal detector in hand, when he discovered something extraordinary.
Ruijter found a treasure trove of medieval jewelry and coins dating back more than 1,000 years.
He reported his find to Archeology West Friesland, and his discovery is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
“Gold jewelry from the high Middle Ages is extremely rare in the Netherlands,” said the museum.
The treasure trove included four gold earrings in a crescent moon shape, two gold leaf pieces that fit together, and 39 small silver coins.
Related stories will be right here …
Ruijter found a treasure trove of medieval jewelry and coins dating back more than 1,000 years.
He reported his find to Archeology West Friesland, and his discovery is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.
“Gold jewelry from the high Middle Ages is extremely rare in the Netherlands,” said the museum.
The treasure trove included four gold earrings in a crescent moon shape, two gold leaf pieces that fit together, and 39 small silver coins.
The coins helped the museum to piece together how old the treasure was and shape the story of why, perhaps, it was found buried in the ground.
The coins, believed to be from 1200 to 1250, were from the Diocese of Utrecht, which included several counties, and from the German empire, with the youngest copies made around 1248 when King William II ruled the Holy Roman Empire. Small pieces of textiles indicate they were wrapped in a cloth or bag.
This would mean the jewelry was already nearly two centuries old when it was likely hidden in the ground, said the museum.
This was an important and troubled time in the country’s history, when there were wars between West Friesland and the county of Holland. Count Willem II died during these wars, not far from where the jewelry was found.
The museum’s theory is that these jewels and coins were likely among someone’s cherished possessions, buried out of sight during the wars.
“This makes the treasure find of great significance for the archaeology and history of North Holland and West Friesland, and even of national and international importance,” said the museum.
SEE: The Medieval Jewelry and Coins Discovered in the Netherlands
A closer look at one of the gold filigree earrings (Photo © Archeology West-Friesland/Fleur Schinning)
The earrings, like the one seen here, are believed to be from 1000 to 1050 CE. (Photo © Archeology West-Friesland/Fleur Schinning)
This engraving is likely a portrait of Jesus Christ, said the museum, also known as “Sol Invictus,” or the “unconquered sun.” (Photo © Archeology West-Friesland/Fleur Schinning)
The coins found alongside the jewelry helped to determine how old the treasure was, said the museum. (Photo © Archeology West-Friesland/Fleur Schinning)
The most important objects, according to the museum, are the earrings. The first pair feature engraved scenes, including one depicting a man with rays surrounding his head, believed to be a portrait of Jesus Christ, also known as “Sol Invictus,” or the “unconquered sun.”
The other pair has intricate filigree decorations. One earring is badly damaged, likely due to being hidden under plowed soil for centuries.
“The jewelry is decorated on one side and has fragile suspension brackets. This suggests that they were probably not pierced through ears, but were worn on a hood or a headband,” said the museum, noting German images from the same time period show a similar style.
A recreation of how the earrings may have been worn, attached to a hood or headband (Photo © Archeology West-Friesland/Fleur Schinning)
The two gold leaf-shaped pieces fit together, and are believed to have been worn attached to clothing due to the small textile fibers that were found.
The jewelry and coins belong to the finder, Ruijter, but are temporarily on loan to the museum.
They will be on display in the Temple Hall of the museum until mid-June. Beginning Oct. 13, the find will be part of a new temporary exhibition, titled “The Year 1000.”
More on Majors
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2023
Watch: How Is the Industry Doing When It Comes to Diversity?Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
AuctionsMar 31, 2023
Piece of the Week: The Extraterrestrial Lunar NecklaceArtisan Martin Roberts fashioned lunar meteorites into 48 beads to create this out-of-this-world necklace.
WatchesMar 30, 2023
At Watches & Wonders, a $20M Watch Makes Its DebutJacob & Co.’s new “Billionaire” timepiece features more than 200 carats of yellow diamonds.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
AuctionsMar 30, 2023
See the Jewelry Collection Expected to Top Elizabeth Taylor’s at AuctionHeidi Horten, wife of department store magnate Helmut Horten, collected jewelry from Bulgari, Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Weekly QuizMar 31, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsMar 30, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Marks a Major MilestoneThe jewelry industry insurer and solutions provider is celebrating 110 years in business this month.
SurveysMar 30, 2023
NRF Says Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain ‘Primary Point of Purchase’The statement came as the National Retail Federation released its retail sales forecast for 2023.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off WorkersThe retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter SmithAs part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.
