London's Lost Jewels

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Byzantine amethyst cameo depicting St George and St Demetrios

6th century AD. © Museum of London

About the exhibition

A major new exhibition examining the Cheapside Hoard – a cache of late 16th and early 17th-century jewels and gemstones uncovered in a London cellar in 1912 – opens at the Museum of London this October.

For the first time in more than 100 years visitors can see the hoard in its entirety and explore some of the mysteries surrounding it, including when and why it was hidden, and why it was never reclaimed.

From a pearl cage pendant to a bejeweled scent bottle, from an emerald parrot to a frog purse, nearly 500 items will go on show.

The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels is on show at the Museum of London from 11 October 2013 to 27 April 2014. Find out more at the museum's website.