Hang an item from the Ashmolean Museum's collections on your Christmas tree with this wooden decoration, inspired by the Alfred Jewel. An Anglo-Saxon masterpiece of goldsmith's work formed around a tear-shaped slice of polished rock crystal, that is a notable part of the museum's core collection. Made with precision laser cutting techniques using high-quality birch wood, and provided with a colour-coordinated gold satin string for hanging.
This decoration is made by Artcuts from responsibly sourced European Birch Plywood. This fast-growing wood is sourced from ethical suppliers who support responsible woodland management schemes. Please note that Birch Plywood is a natural material which means that the colour, grain, and texture can vary from item to item.
The original Alfred Jewel artefact was found while digging for peat in a moor in North Petherton, Somerset, in 1693. Known as the Alfred Jewel, the inscription in Old English around the sides: AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN ('Alfred ordered me to be made') most likely connects the jewel with the 9th-century King Alfred, known as Alfred the Great.
The jewel was found only a few miles from Athelney Abbey, the stronghold in the marshes from which Alfred launched his counterattack on the Great Army of the Vikings. This ultimately led to his crucial military victory at Edington in 878 and the expansion of his authority across the southern half of England.
At Artcuts, they source only the finest raw materials and complementary finishes for their decorations and gifts. By using Scandinavian Birch wood, they provide decorations that fully follow sustainable processes which are FSC approved. With over 10 year’s experience this family-run team design, manufacture and hand-finish their beautiful decorations in their studio and workshop in the Surrey Hills, UK.
Exclusive to the Ashmolean Museum.
Materials: FSC wood with paper finish.
Dimensions: 9.9 x 5 cm
Shipping to United States of America is currently suspended for the foreseeable future.
The de minimus exemption for orders under $800 going to USA ended on Friday 29 August 2025. Please bear with us while we update our systems to accommodate the new tariffs and duties.
Christmas Delivery Dates
Please be aware that during busy periods, such as Christmas, it may take us longer than normal to respond to enquiries and to dispatch orders.
We recommend placing your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These are the recommended last dates for placing your order:
UK delivery – midnight Wednesday 17 December 2025
International delivery – midnight Wednesday 10 December 2025 (delivery times may be affected by customs clearance)
There will be reduced staffing over the Christmas holidays, so any online orders placed after midday Monday 22 December will be dispatched after 5 January 2026.
Our Pickup service is a convenient way for you to order online and collect your purchase in person at the Museum. Simply select the Pickup option at checkout.
The Online Shop team operates between Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00, so please allow time for us to prepare your order for collection or delivery, particularly at busy times of the year. We aim to have your order ready for collection/delivery within 72 hours.
The Museum will be closed on 24, 25, 26 December 2025, and 1 January 2026.
UK 1st Class: delivery 2-5 business days from dispatch
Europe: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Rest of World: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Please be aware that orders to International addresses may be subject to local customs duty or taxes. You will need to pay any additional charges for customs clearance, charges include local VAT and duty based on the value and origin of the product.
There is 5kg weight restriction for UK orders, and a 2kg weight restriction for International orders. If your order exceeds this weight, please contact the Online Shop team so that we can organise a quote for special delivery: onlineshop@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
Further information on our delivery options and returns policy can be found in Shipping & Returns.
The profit from your purchases helps fund the running, collection and care of the Ashmolean Museum, which is free to enter and offers more than 1000 tours, workshops and lectures each year. By shopping with us today, you are helping support everything that we do.
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