Spectacular Pendant Associated With Henry VIII's Marriage to Catherine of Aragon

From the Smithsonian:

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The Only Surviving Piece of Jewelry Associated With Henry VIII's Reign Is Now On Display In The Permanent Collection of the British Museum

Known as the Tudor Heart, the 24-carat gold pendant from the early 16th century is the only surviving piece of jewelry linked to Henry VIII's marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Their union lasted nearly 24 years, the longest of Henry VIII's six marriages.

Accompanied by a 75-link gold chain and a clasp in the shape of a hand, the pendant features a red and white Tudor rose, a pomegranate bush, and the initials "H" and "K." Red letters spell out tousiors, an old French word for "always," on a golden banner that stretches across the artifact.

In 2019, amateur metal detectorist Charlie Clarke unearthed the pendant in a field in Warwickshire, England.

At first, some experts expressed skepticism about the artifact's authenticity. But after extensive analyses, historians concluded that it likely dates to the middle of Henry and Catherine's marriage, which lasted from 1509 to 1533.