Objects preserved in volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD were recently presented to the public. Experts restored silver cups and platters (such as pictured) which give clues to the domestic life of Pompeii, from nearly 2,000 years ago. Read more here(1).

1. http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/07/18/pompeii.treasure.ap/index.html