![]() However, the most common material for necklace pendants was glass which would be mass produced for this purpose. The necklaces would normally be accompanied by pendants made from glass beads, precious stones, resin, amber (from the Baltic sea), and small metallic charms. They also employed natural fibres and iron wires of various lengths and sizes. The Vikings crafted their necklaces from a variety of items including metals such as silver, gold and bronze. However, not all Viking jewelry was made from metal the Norsemen also created beautiful ornaments using beads and precious rocks and stones, although it was rare for the Vikings to inset stones in their jewelry even though this art form had been applied before the Viking age.Ī hinged silver strap ( Robert Clark, National Geographic / Historic Environment Scotland ). If you think about it, the Vikings used their jewelry much like we use modern-day notes and coins today. ![]() If an ornament was too large or valuable for a particular transaction, the piece would be broken into smaller chunks to suit that particular deal. Viking Jewelry – Its Use and Purposeīoth men and women of the Viking community wore a wide variety of jewelry that added some much needed glamour to their seemingly dark world, but Viking jewelry also had a secondary purpose – it was used as currency in trade, which is probably why the Vikings preferred to use mainly precious metals to craft their jewelry. Group shot of the Silverdale Hoard finds. However, the Norse people of old, whilst being fearless warriors also made beautiful and intricate ornaments such as bracelets, rings and necklaces out of a variety of materials including bronze, iron, gold, silver, amber, and resin.Įarly on in the Viking era (about 800 AD), these ornaments were simple, but as time went by, the pieces became more detailed and sophisticated. Instead most people imagine bearded savages with long spears, swords, and heavy shields attacking defenceless coastal communities. When you first think of ancient Vikings, their jewelry is probably not the first thing that springs to mind.
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