While hunting invasive Burmese pythons, Mark Rubenstein uncovered the mysterious pendant, comprising eight antique rose cut diamonds and 13 sapphires. He hopes to unravel the origins of the jewellery piece and return it to its owner or a surviving relative.
The swampy area where the item was found was close to the site of two separate airplane crashes (in 1972 and 1996) where, on both occasions, more than 100 people died in the accidents.
Experts who have studied the piece believed the melted edge of the circular medallion, measuring 19mm in diameter, would be consistent with the scenario of coming from either of these crashes.
A local jeweller has confirmed the medallion, most likely worn as a pendant, is “high carat” and that the polishing style was common in the period between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Photos of the item have been posted on jewellers’ online forum, the Ganoksin Project, where various comments have been made about the apparent religious and ethnic nature of the design.
Australian jewellers are encouraged to help solve the puzzle and contact ganoksin.com with any information.