The earliest known gold jewelry made in the Americas has been discovered in southern Peru.

The gold necklace, made nearly 4,000 years ago, was found in a burial site.

Archaeologist Eugenia Zevallos showed the necklace to journalists.

"This finding is very important for Peru and the whole of South America. It's a gold necklace, made of gold beads laminated with turquoise...It's from 4,500 BC so it's 6,500 years old."

Researchers say the necklace suggests someone at the time already had the time and knowledge to make this ornament. This is a completely shock to researchers because people living in this region at the time were found primarily hunter-gatherers.

There is no evidence at the site that shows how it was made.