The British Museum in London has announced that it has raised £3.5 million, equivalent to approximately 97 million CZK, needed to acquire a unique gold heart-shaped pendant linked to Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. This Tudor heart pendant is the only surviving piece of jewelry from their 24-year marriage, making it a significant artifact in English royal history. More than 10% of the requisite funds were raised through a public donation campaign, highlighting the public's interest and investment in preserving historical artifacts.

Crafted from 24-carat gold, the pendant depicts a white and red Tudor rose intertwined with a pomegranate, which was a personal emblem of Catherine. Historians believe the artifact was created to celebrate the engagement of their daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir apparent in 1518. The pendant was discovered in 2019 by a café owner from Birmingham using a metal detector in a dried-up pond in Warwickshire, emphasizing how modern efforts can uncover historical treasures that contribute to our understanding of the past.

This acquisition not only enriches the museum's collection but also serves as a narrative piece of England’s royal history. The Tudor heart pendant offers insights into the personal lives and relationships of the Tudor dynasty, thereby drawing both scholarly and public interest. Its purchase will ensure that this beautiful artifact can be preserved and appreciated by future generations, underscoring the importance of historical preservation in today's society.