There are few things that evoke the beauty and mysticism of Viking jewelry history.
Although it is a past steeped in lore, there are a few hard facts that we know about some of the beautiful objects created by Vikings. In fact, we know quite a bit as they have been found in almost every country they traveled to. They traveled as far as Canada, Mexico, Scotland, Britain, and Russia.
Viking jewelry, in particular, comes in many shapes and forms. We will explore many of them in the article below.
Influences of Viking Jewelry
It is widely believed that the cultures of the Celts, Anglo-Saxons, and Slavs, influenced Viking jewelry. It was often made of bronze, iron, and silver, and was often decorated with intricate designs.
Viking rings, brooches, and necklaces were among the most popular types of Viking jewelry. You can click for a Viking ring to view their intricate designs.
Viking jewelry was frequently enchanted with runes or other magical symbols. They believed it protected the wearer from harm. Talismans were also often worn as protection against specific dangers, such as fire or drowning.
Viking jewelry was also used as a way to show their allegiance to their gods. Valhalla was often depicted in Viking jewelry.
Viking era jewelry was often highly personal. These pieces were often passed down through the generations. In some cases, they bury a piece of jewelry with its owner to accompany them into the afterlife.
The Craftsmanship of Viking Jewelry
Vikings were master craftspeople. They created some of the most beautiful and intricate jewelry of their time. Their jewelry was often made of silver and gold and was often decorated with precious stones.
Most of it included precious metals, beads, and even animal teeth in its construction. Common motifs included animals, geometric shapes, and Norse symbols.
Styles varied depending on the time and region. The most common styles included braided, beaded, twist, and knotwork.
Viking era jewelry was not only beautiful, but it was also very functional. It was often used to help identify a person’s status and their place in Viking society.
How Viking Jewelry Was Made
In the early days of the Viking Age, jewelry was primarily made from bronze and iron. Only the wealthy had jewelry made from gold and silver. Jewelry was often handmade.
The techniques used to create it vary depending on the materials available. For example, iron jewelry was often made by hammering thin sheets of iron into shape. Gold and silver jewelry was typically cast using molds.
Many Viking-era jewelers were exceptional in metalworking and stonecutting. They often used semiprecious stones to accent their metalwork. Amber and jet were particularly popular materials, and Viking jewelers often used them to create elaborate pendants and other decorative items.
Viking Jewelry History Explained
The Vikings were creative and resourceful people. They created beautiful jewelry from the materials they had available to them. Today, we can enjoy the beauty of Viking jewelry by shopping for replicas or originals in museums and online.
Whether you’re looking for a simple pendant or a more elaborate piece, Viking jewelry makes a stunning addition to any collection.
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