Ancient Roman Bathhouse in UK Yields Treasure Trove of Stones.

Archaeologists in Britain discovered 36 engraved semiprecious stones from the third century at the site of an ancient Roman bathhouse beneath the Carlisle Cricket Club. The gems, made of materials like amethyst, carnelian, and jasper, likely fell out of wealthy people’s rings after they entered the baths. The water may have loosened the adhesives used in the rings, causing the stones to fall off and sink to the bottom of the baths. Along with the gems, archaeologists found more than 700 items at the Carlisle site, including pottery, clay figures, and more than 100 hairpins.