An ancient Egyptian necklace was stolen from a museum in Dayton, Ohio, according to WHIO TV.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery artifact, made from carnelian gems, has been estimated to be several thousand years old, the station reported.

The thief damaged the case that held the necklace, which has been on display since it was donated in the 1940s, said Lynn Simonelli, the museum's vice president of collection and research.

The value of the piece of jewelry isn't known, although Simonelli says the artifact's true value rests in its educational potential. Dayton police have been assisting in the case, but no arrests have been made.

Click here for more on this story from WHIOTV.com.