Treasure Hunters Strike Gold with Bronze Age Bracelets

After years of fruitless searching, two British treasure hunters finally hit the jackpot when a metal detector picked up a small trace of gold, leading to the discovery of three ancient Bronze Age gold bracelets valued at over six figures.

Alan Daniels, 48, and Andy Cramond, 34, found the 3,000-year-old bracelets in an empty farmhouse near Carlisle, England. The details of their find were reported recently.

Photos show that the bracelets, known as “Torque,” are remarkably well-preserved.

Weighing in at 18.27 ounces, or a bit over a pound, one bracelet is estimated to be worth around $400,000, according to local news reports.

When speaking to reporters, Daniels remarked on the incredible condition of the gold, stating, “It didn’t tarnish at all. It came out of the ground just as it was 3,000 years ago.”

Cramond shared his shock, saying he nearly had a “heart attack” when he found one bracelet just a few inches beneath freshly turned soil. He quickly called Daniels over, who then discovered another piece nearby.

“This is what every detectorist dreams of; it still feels surreal,” Cramond said, adding that he’s half-expecting someone to say it’s all a prank. “It’s the sort of discovery that changes your life.”

This moment marked the first time the duo found something truly valuable. In the past, they often left their expeditions feeling disappointed. Ironically, they almost viewed their latest outing as another wasted effort, having previously spent two hours only uncovering bits of aluminum cans.

The bracelets have been sent to the British Museum for evaluation, as officials will determine whether they meet the legal criteria to be classified as treasure under British law. If they qualify, the museum or other institutions could purchase them at market value, with the profits shared among the hunters and the landowner. If no buyers arise, the hunters could auction them off publicly.