Detectorist Idris’s £20k band of gold

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Idris Thomas, a metal detector enthusiast in Gwynedd, discovered a 3,000-year-old gold bracelet valued up to £20,000 during a search of farmland. The Bronze Age artifact has been declared treasure and is expected to be acquired by a museum, offering insight into the region’s prehistoric heritage.

A metal detector enthusiast in Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd, has uncovered a 3,000-year-old gold bracelet valued at up to £20,000. Idris Thomas, the detectorist responsible for the discovery, said he was "absolutely shocked" upon finding the Bronze Age artifact while searching farmland.

Analysis by experts at Museum Wales determined the bracelet is composed of 92.8% gold. The item has been officially declared treasure under the relevant laws governing archaeological finds. An auction house has estimated its worth to be between £15,000 and £20,000, reflecting its significance and condition.

Following the declaration, the bracelet is expected to be acquired by a museum, ensuring its preservation and public display. The find highlights the rich prehistoric heritage of the region and contributes valuable insight into craftsmanship from the Bronze Age. Authorities continue to encourage responsible reporting of similar discoveries to protect and study the cultural legacy embedded in Wales’ landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.