Appendix 13: Jet Spacer-plate Necklaces and Spacer Bracelet from East Challoch Farm

Two complete early Bronze Age spacer-plate necklaces, plus one spacer-plate bracelet, all of jet, were discovered in two stone-lined graves at East Challoch Farm. Grave 023 at Site 16 contained a three-strand necklace (Necklace 1), while the sub-cairn grave 177 at Site 17 contained a necklace with a maximum of seven strands (Necklace 2), plus a two-strand bracelet. None of the plates was decorated. All the components were examined microscopically at magnifications up to x50 by the author, and were X-rayed by Gretel Evans (AOC Archaeology) before and after being cleaned and conserved.

In addition, one spacer plate from Necklace 1 (Sp2, SF 22) and one fusiform bead from Necklace 2 (SF 71) were analysed by Dr Lore Troalen (NMS) using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), to determine their elemental composition. Each piece of jewellery will be described first, then the overall significance of, and comparanda for, both of the necklaces and the bracelet will be discussed.