The return of the items follow an agreement with Douglas Latchford’s family. Dozens of pieces of Angkorian crown jewellery stolen from Cambodia, many never seen by the public, have been returned. (Supplied: Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts/Facebook)

Experts believe many of the items were looted during periods of war and instability. The trove includes crowns, necklaces, amulets and other treasures from the Angkor period. (Supplied: Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts/Facebook)

The gold collection was returned to Cambodia last Friday. The ministry said officials in Cambodia received the 77 pieces from the family of British antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford. (Supplied: Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts/Facebook)

A headdress of gold that was designed to cover a braid. The collection, which arrived discreetly in Cambodia on Feb 17, features “gold and other precious metal pieces from the pre-Angkorian and Angkorian period, including crowns, necklaces, bracelets, belts, earrings and amulets”, the ministry said. Credit: Cambodia Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts

A gold necklace with an amulet and purple stone (Left) A belt or waistband with a looped clasp (Right). Credit: Cambodia Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts

As Cambodia was ravaged by civil wars and a genocide by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, thousands of antiques were looted and sold through dealers in Thailand and Hong Kong to wealthy buyers and museums in Europe and the United States. /STEVE WAKEHAM/