'Tudor Heart' pendant at the British Museum

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This rare piece of 24-carat gold and enamel jewellery was found by a metal detectorist in Warwickshire in December 2019. Our £1,750,000 grant, along with other funding including public donations, have secured the pendant, ensuring it will not go into private ownership.

While there is no evidence it belonged to the royal family, it is one of only a few surviving objects that commemorate King Henry's life with the devoutly Catholic Katherine. 

It’s the earliest surviving example of goldsmithing from Tudor England, aside from religious pieces, and dates to about 1518. 

It is currently on display at the British Museum in Room 2: Collecting the world until late summer 2026.