3,000 year-old gold bracelet in London auction

A solid gold bracelet made more than 3,000 years ago “at the dawn of the European Iron Age” will be auctioned in the antiquities sale at Christie’s in London on Thursday. The bracelet is believed to be the only one of its type in private hands and comes to the market for the first time with an estimate of £40,000- £60,000 (€47,000- €71,000). Christie’s said the bracelet, made with more than half a kilo of gold, was “a stunning piece, featuring an intricate geometric pattern”.

The sale also features an Egyptian granite falcon, made during the 4th century BC, which was acquired in the 1840s by a French diplomat in Egypt and has remained in the same family ever since. The estimate is £100,000 to £150,000. – MP