The necklace, which is the richest of its type ever found in Britain, is now in the care of MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) while its future is decided. It is unlikely the treasure would ever have been found without the Vistry-funded archaeology work, which was preparing the ground for a new-home location in Harpole.

The necklace has yet to be valued but is thought to be one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent years. The team of archaeologists made the astonishing discovery earlier this year.

Daniel Oliver, regional technical director for Vistry Housebuilding West Midlands, played a key role in ensuring that necklace finds a suitable home.

He said: “We are delighted to confirm that these internationally important artefacts will be gifted to the nation and any ownership rights have been waived.

“This is such an important find it was important for us to do the right thing and ensure they were protected for many years to come.

“As a business Vistry is extremely conscious of the legacy that we leave amongst the communities that we build.

“Having personally seen this treasure on site I could not be more excited to see how much more has been learned already – it is an amazing find.”

The necklace has at least a staggering 30 pendants and beads made of Roman coins, gold, garnets, glass and semi-precious stones.

It was found alongside other relics which have been since become known as the Harpole Treasure.

A team of five archaeologists were working at the site uncovered the hoard along with a woman’s skeleton and immediately recognised its historical importance.

It is believed that it is one of the most significant female burial sites of the early Medieval period ever discovered.

Dan added: “I’ve worked for Vistry for 19 years and I have had a lot of interaction with archaeologists.

“On the day the team discovered the treasure, I had five missed calls on my phone, I knew that something really important had been discovered.”

The burial site also contained two decorated pots and a shallow copper dish and a striking and elaborately decorated cross.

RPS Archaeology Consultant Simon Mortimer says: “This find is truly a once-in-a-lifetime discovery – the sort of thing you read about in textbooks and not something you expect to see coming out of the ground in front of you.

“It shows the fundamental value of developer-funded archaeology. Vistry's planned development provided a unique opportunity to investigate this site. Had they not funded this work this remarkable burial site may never have been found.”

MOLA Site Supervisor, Levente-Bence Balázs, says: “When the first glints of gold started to emerge from the soil we knew this was something significant.

“However, we didn’t quite realise how special this was going to be. We are lucky to be able to use modern methods of analysis on the finds and surrounding burial to gain a much deeper insight into the life of this person and their final rites.”

A handful of similar necklaces from this time have previously been discovered in other regions of England, but none are as ornate as Harpole.

The Harpole Treasure will be feature in a TV show Digging for Britain which is being screened in January 2023.

Dr Alice Roberts will be getting up close to this extraordinary find and delving deeper into the ongoing conservation and analysis in the BBC Two programme.

The burial is subject to the Treasure Act and was reported to the coroner’s office as potential treasure by the local finds liaison officer.

IMAGES © MOLA