The disappearance of a golden bracelet that once belonged to an ancient pharaoh has triggered a major investigation at a museum in Egypt.

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed on Tuesday, 16th September, that the artefact went missing from a secure restoration lab inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The piece was described as a solid gold bracelet with a spherical lapis lazuli bead belonging to King Amenemope, who ruled during the Third Intermediate Period around 1000 BC.

Although little is known of his accomplishments, his burial in Tanis provided archaeologists with important insights into royal traditions of the period, and his reign reflects the challenges faced by pharaohs during Egypt's gradual decline in influence.

Picture shows the missing ancient bracelet that disappeared from Egyptian museum, undated. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities took all necessary legal measures. Note: Photo from museum. (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Newsflash/NX)

The Ministry said it has referred the case to the Public Prosecution and notified all relevant police authorities.

Officials have circulated photographs of the bracelet to all airports, land crossings, sea ports, and border points across Egypt to prevent it from being smuggled abroad.

A special committee has been formed to carry out a full inventory and review of all artefacts stored in the museum’s restoration laboratory.

The Ministry also explained that the announcement of the disappearance was deliberately delayed in order to protect the progress of the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and precautionary measures remain in place.

(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)