Documentation, Documentation, Documentation
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Archaeology 101:Photograph first, then clear and remove the grave goods:
http://www.archaeologynews.org/story.asp?ID=325056&Title=Christian amulet that ruined my life is not a hoax
I hate to give forgers advice, but in-period silver is a must:
http://www.24dash.com/news/Communities/2008-09-18-Iconic-Shepton-Mallet-amulet-probably-a-fake
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/sep/19/archaeology.anglicanism
Tsk.
(Archaeology works on the principal of working in order, from the top down. It usually isn't wise to to pull something out from under something else important (like a leg bone) and it's generally a good idea to clear the dirt away. Yes, it's easy to get excited when you've found something — a lot of archaeology is just clearing dirt — but if something (like a bead or two) is connected to, sewn on to, or next to something else pulling on it without checking around could tear or break what thread, cloth, or leather (which don't survive well in most Northern European climates unless protected by a bog or other exceptional circumstances) they may be attached to.)
(Good working method also allows others at the dig to see the artifact in place as they photography or help clear the item.)
-Kushana
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