Museum’s ancient bracelet theft joins list of other priceless artifacts stolen, destroyed worldwide

Egypt suffered a devastating loss in September when a pharaoh’s priceless bracelet was stolen from a museum in Cairo – and melted down.

Now forever lost, the bracelet belonged to Pharaoh Usermaatre Amenemope, a Third Intermediate Period king who likely ruled between 993 and 984 B.C., officials announced. It was housed in the Egyptian Museum’s restoration laboratory before the theft. 

A restoration specialist apparently took the bracelet and transported it to a silver jeweler, who sold the bracelet to a gold jeweler for $3,735. 

The bracelet was then sold to a gold foundry worker for $4,000, who melted it down with other metals before authorities could save it. Egyptian officials said all suspects have been arrested, and authorities are investigating the incident.

It’s unusual for artifacts to

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