The more beautiful and elaborate, and at the same time the richest in effect, of these various forms of fibulæ are those of circular form, which, although found in various parts of the kingdom, are more abundant in the barrows of Kent than elsewhere. The finest of these ever discovered was found in 1771, “near the neck, or rather more towards the right shoulder,” of the female skeleton in a grave six feet deep, ten feet long, and eight feet wide, on Kingston Down, along with some small silver fibulæ, a golden amulet, some small hinges, a chain, some bronze vessels, pottery, and a variety of other articles. This fibula, here engraved (fig. 443), which is quite unique, “stands at the head of a class by no means extensive, characterized by being formed of separate plates of metal, enclosed by a band round the edges. The shell of this extraordinary brooch is entirely of gold. The upper surface is divided into no less than seven compartments, subdivided into cells of various forms. Those of the first and fifth are semi-circles, with a peculiar graduated figure, somewhat resembling the steps or base of a cross, which also occurs in all the compartments, and in four circles, placed cross-wise with triangles. The cells within this step-like figure and the triangular are filled with turquoises; the remaining cells of the various compartments with garnets, laid upon gold-foil, except the sixth, which forms an umbo, and bosses in the circle, which are composed apparently of mother-of-pearl. The second and fourth compartments contain vermicular gold chain-work, neatly milled and attached to the ground of the plate. The reverse of the fibula is also richly decorated.” [Illustration: Fig. 443.] The vertical hinge of the acus is ornamented with a cross set with stones, and with filigree work round its base. The clasp which receives the point of the acus is formed to represent a serpent’s head, the eyes and nostrils of which, and the bending of the neck, are marked in filigree. This precious jewel was secured by a loop which admitted of its being sewn upon the dress.