Extraordinary Thrift Store Find Sparks Enquiry About Artifact Origins

In a rare occurrence, eleven medieval rings and two medallions have emerged from the most unlikely of places – a Canadian thrift store shelf. The artifacts, which experts believe could date back to the fourth or fifth century AD, were discovered at Thrifty Boutique in Chilliwack, British Columbia, priced at just $30 each before being recognized by a sharp-eyed archaeology enthusiast.

The remarkable find has now captured the attention of researchers at Simon Fraser University, who face the challenging task of determining not only the age and origin of these mysterious pieces but also grappling with the ethical implications of studying artifacts with no documented provenance.

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From Donation Box to Archaeological Investigation

The story began in spring 2024 when an anonymous donor left the collection of jewelry at Thrifty Boutique, a store operated by Chilliwack Hospice. Store manager Sandy Parker initially treated them as typical costume jewelry, pricing each piece at $30 reports CBC News. However, fate intervened when a patron with archaeological training examined the items more closely and immediately recognized their potential historical significance.

Associate Professor Sabrina Higgins from SFU’s Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology conducted the initial assessment.