Sri Lankan gemstones to feature in London treasure display

Gemstones linked to Sri Lanka will feature in a permanent display of the Cheapside Hoard at London Museum’s new Goldsmiths’ Gallery in November.

The collection contains nearly 500 jewels and precious objects dating from the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. It was discovered in 1912 beneath a cellar floor at 30–32 Cheapside in London.

Its gemstones came from trading networks that connected Europe with Asia and other regions, with Sri Lanka among the sources represented.

The collection also includes stones and materials associated with India, China and Persia, alongside pearls, opals and other jewellery.

Workers uncovered the hoard while excavating the cellar, which had reportedly remained undisturbed for about 270 years.

The permanent display will bring together the collection as evidence of the international trade in precious stones and jewellery several centuries ago.