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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
