Alfred Jewel

The Alfred Jewel is a Anglo-Saxon ornament made of enamel and quartz enclosed in gold that was discovered in 1693. It has been dated from the late 9th century. It was made in the reign of Alfred the Great and is inscribed "AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN", meaning 'Alfred ordered me made'. The jewel was once attached to a rod at its base.

The jewel's purpose is unknown and remains a source of speculation. The suggestion that it could have been a pointer stick for following words when reading a book, part of a crown, or part of a brooch, is not based on any factual evidence. It may have been one of the precious 'æstels' or staffs that Alfred sent to each bishopric along with a copy of his translation of Pope Gregory the Great's book Pastoral Care. No context is given in the document that mentioned the staffs, but it is thought they might have been pointers. David M. Wilson sounds a note of caution as to the connection with Alfred, noting that "in a period when royal titles meant something, there is no royal title in the inscription".