File:Modern, Enamelled Spacer Bead (FindID 485897).jpg

English: Hollow-cast silver spherical spacer bead, or possible pinhead, of relatively modern (later Victorian) date (1850 - 1920). The bead is irregular due to crushing and damage in the plough soil. Two small holes are present; one at either end (internal diameter 1.7mm), presumable to allow the bead to be threaded on a wire. The bead is decorated with a series of wire filigree / cast cells on its body which are inlaid with coloured glass, paste and / or enamel. The overall design is complicated and irregular due to damage. It seems to be based upon a series of repeating patterns arranged in three circumferential bands. The two exterior bands are similar comprising small regular six pointed star shaped cells filled with white paste or enamel enclosed by circular shaped cells of deep green enamel or glass. The interior band is formed from a regular number of circular shaped cells containing concentric circles or spirals of white enamel or paste - again enclosed within a field of green enamel. The exterior edge of the green enamel cell is contained by a border with very regular zig-zag shape. Within the green field are very small circular cells filled with white enamel positioned to form a vertical cross with the large white cell at the centre. The only other decoration consists of a thick raised circlet around the external edge of the cast hole at either end - and a more ornate circulate with a zig-zag shape before the inlaid decoration starts. The surface colour of the metal varies between a dusky yellow colour and a bright silver metallic one - possibly suggesting that the silver has been gilt and that this has decayed or been removed in places. The enamel is poorly preserved and much decayed in places. As mentioned the artefact is hollow and been crushed in places damaging enamel, and distorting the design of the pattern. A direct parallel has not been found; however, due to the similarities with beads and pins from the Tudor period (without inlaid enamel) it was shown to Dr Dora Thornton, Curator at the British Museum. She concurred with the recorders opinion that this is a much later style of workmanship suggesting a manufacture date in the later 19th century. As such, although made of precious metal this artefact falls outside the treasure Act 1996 as it is not more than 300 years old at time of discovery. This example has been recorded as a useful parallel in case others are reported under the treasure act.

The bead is 11.1mm in width and is 12.1mm thick, it weighs 1.08 grams.