Viking jewelry is a topic that garners significant interest, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in online searches. However, much like other Norse-related content, there is a plethora of misinformation and low-quality products available online. This includes both the jewelry items for sale and the historical information provided, which often lacks factual accuracy.

In our discussion, we will focus on authentic sources, including historical texts and archaeological discoveries, to accurately describe the types of jewelry worn during the Viking Age. By examining these reliable sources, we aim to provide a clear and factual representation of Viking jewelry, distinguishing historical truths from modern misconceptions. 

1. Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir Necklaces

The iconic Mjolnir pendants, commonly associated with Viking jewelry today, might not have been as prevalent during the Viking Age as contemporary representations suggest. Archaeological findings and historical sources indicate that they may not have been the primary jewelry choice among the Vikings.

Archaeological evidence does show a variety of Mjolnir pendant designs and interpretations originating from throughout Scandinavia, Iceland, modern-day Germany, and the Baltic countries. In total, however, the number of these pendants found is relatively modest. In various museums across Scandinavia, for instance, the total count of identifiable Thor's hammer pendants is around 100 to 200. This number, while significant, is dwarfed by the quantities of other types of Viking jewelry that have been discovered.

(See this link for some of these pendants found)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_record_of_Mj%C3%B6llnir

Most notably, there is a complete absence of mentions of Thor's hammer necklaces in the Viking sagas and other contemporary Norse literature. This absence extends to foreign accounts of the Vikings, suggesting that while some Vikings did wear these pendants, their use was neither widespread nor culturally significant enough to merit mention in the written records of the time. Therefore, we can infer that Mjolnir pendants were likely not a dominant feature in Viking ornamental attire.

However, the mythological narrative in the Þrymskviða, a poem from the Poetic Edda, provides a unique insight into the symbolic significance of Thor's hammer, Mjolnir. In this story, Thor's hammer is stolen by the giant Thrymr, who demands Freya's hand in marriage as ransom. Thor then disguises himself as Freya to retrieve Mjolnir, which Thrymr has promised to present at the wedding as a symbol of consecration.

This portrayal has led some scholars, such as Hilda Ellis Davidson, a renowned expert on Norse culture, to suggest that Mjolnir pendants may have been used in real life to bless important life events, such as marriages or the birth of children. The use of Mjolnir in this context is seen as a way to invoke Thor's protection and blessings upon these significant occasions.

Further supporting this theory, various forms of Mjolnir are also depicted in Scandinavian and Icelandic magical texts, where they are used in many related rituals and charms. This suggests a broader cultural and spiritual significance of Mjolnir beyond its representation as a weapon in mythology.

From an animistic perspective, the hammer can be viewed as symbolizing the heart or heartbeat, representing the vital life force driving existence. Viewing the Mjolnir pendant in this light not only enriches its cultural relevance but also supports its use as a meaningful gift for milestones such as the arrival of a newborn, symbolically empowering the child's life force from the very beginning.

 

2. Armrings

Armrings, prominently featured both in the literature and archaeological finds of the Viking Age, are perhaps the most common type of Viking jewelry. These items are ubiquitous across Viking Age museum collections, found in various forms such as wrist bracelets or larger bands meant for the upper arm, which are particularly striking.

Historically referred to as Baugr or Hringr (with "Hringr" also potentially referring to finger rings), these armrings were not only decorative but functional, even serving as currency within the Viking economy. Their prevalence in the sagas underscores their cultural and economic importance.

One of the most famous literary references to an armring is Draupnir, a magical ring in Norse mythology. Bestowed upon the gods by the dwarves, Draupnir had the ability to "drip" eight new rings every ninth night. This ring, often associated with the concept of the soul and its multifaceted nature, also appears in the saga recounting Baldr’s funeral, where it is placed on his pyre—a ritual reflecting its esteemed status.

This practice of including armrings in funerals is further corroborated by historical accounts such as that of Ibn Fadlan, who documented a Rus Viking chieftain's funeral in Eastern Europe, noting the placement of an armring on the funeral pyre. Such accounts highlight the deep-seated significance of armrings in Viking rituals and their role in ceremonies of death and memory, illustrating the profound symbolic and practical roles these items played in Norse culture.

Armrings also held significant religious and spiritual importance in Viking society. According to the Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements), a key Icelandic historical text, there was a legal requirement for the goði (chieftain or priest) to redden his armring with ox blood during the Althing, the annual assembly where disputes were settled, legal cases were heard, and political matters were discussed. This ritual was mandated by law, underscoring the armring's role not just as a piece of jewelry or currency, but as an integral element in religious and civic ceremonies.

"A ring weighing two ounces or more should lie on the stall in every chief Temple, and this ring should every chief or goði have upon his arm at all public law-motes (logthing) at which he should be at the head of affairs, having first reddened it in the blood of a neat which he himself had sacrificed there. Every man who was there to transact any business, as by law provided by the Court, should first take an oath upon that ring and name for the purpose two or more witnesses and repeat the following words: — "I call to witness in evidence, he was to say, that I take oath upon the ring, a lawful one (lögeid) so help me Frey and Niord and the Almighty God, to this end that I shall in this case prosecute or defend or bear witness or give award or pronounce doom according to what I know to be most right and most true and most lawful, and that I will deal lawfully with all such matters in law as I have to deal with while I am at this Thing."
- Landnámabók

The Eyrbyggja Saga provides a detailed account of this practice, describing an altar in the center of a temple with a 20-ounce armring placed on top. This armring was used by individuals to swear oaths, particularly in legal settings.

"There he let build a temple, and a mighty house it was. There was a door in the side-wall and nearer to one end thereof. Within the door stood the pillars of the high-seat, and nails were therein; they were called the Gods' nails. Therewithin was there a great frith-place. But off the inmost house was there another house, of that fashion whereof now is the choir of a church, and there stood a stall in the midst of the floor in the fashion of an altar, and thereon lay a ring without a join that weighed twenty ounces, and on that must men swear all oaths; and that ring must the chief have on his arm at all man-motes."
-Eyrbyggja saga

This practice extended beyond legal oaths to other types of pledges, reinforcing the armring's status as a powerful symbol of truth and honor. Whether used in civic ceremonies, legal disputes, or personal commitments, the armring's role in oath-taking highlights its crucial function in maintaining social order and spiritual accountability in Viking culture.

There were other types of oaths that the armring could be invoked in. For example, in stanza 30, of Atlakviða, Atli swears an oath on a ring dedicated to Ullr.

 

Guthrun spake:
30. "It shall go with thee, Atli, | as with Gunnar thou heldest
The oaths ofttimes sworn, | and of old made firm,
By the sun in the south, | by Sigtyr's mountain,
By the horse of the rest-bed, | and the ring of Ull."
Then the champer of bits | drew the chieftain great,
The gold-guarder, down | to the place of death.
-Atlakviða

 

Another example comes in Hávamál 108, where, Odinn has also sworn a ‘ring-oath’.

 

108.

A ring-oath Odin I trow had taken --
how shall one trust his troth?
'twas he who stole the mead from Suttung,
and Gunnlod caused to weep.

-Hávamál

 

One of the most common uses of armrings was for swearing oaths of loyalty to a chieftain or king. Generous rulers would distribute valuable rings to their followers, and in return, these men were expected to swear oaths of loyalty or service. This practice reinforced the bonds of allegiance and ensured the loyalty of the king’s warriors.

A notable example of this is found in Gesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus. In this work, a young man named Wigg bestows the famous nickname "Kraki" upon King Hrólfr. In gratitude, King Hrólfr gifts Wigg with a pair of armrings. In return, Wigg swears an oath to avenge any future killer of King Hrólfr. This example illustrates the reciprocal nature of the relationship between a king and his warriors, where gifts of armrings were both a reward and a means to secure unwavering loyalty. 

 

"Nor was Wigg heedless to repay the kindness; for be promised, uttering a strict vow, that, if it befell Hrolfr to perish by the sword, he would himself take vengeance on his slayers."

-Gesta Danorum

 

In the skaldic poem by Þjóðólfr Arnórsson, King Haraldr is referred to as "snjóllum hrings," or "giver of rings," highlighting his generosity. This term was used to praise kings who were particularly liberal in gifting armrings to their followers. The Heimskringla chronicles mention several kings, such as Haakon the Good, who were known for their generosity in distributing rings, thereby ensuring the loyalty and service of their men. Receiving an armring from a king came with the implicit expectation of swearing an oath of loyalty in return.

The Primary Chronicle provides evidence that the Vikings carried their oath-swearing practices far beyond Scandinavia. It describes how the Rus Vikings, who settled in Eastern Europe, swore by their weapons and armrings to endorse a treaty with the Byzantines, demonstrating the widespread nature of this practice.

Similarly, the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle notes that when King Alfred made peace with the Great Danish Army at Wareham in 876, the Vikings swore oaths on the "sacred ring," sometimes translated as "the sacred bracelet," indicating an armring. This sacred ring, referred to as "hâlgan beage" in Old English, underscores the armring's role in solemnizing agreements and oaths.

These historical accounts collectively illustrate the pivotal role of armrings in not only Scandinavian Viking age culture but the broader Germanic culture, as both symbols of wealth, status and as crucial elements in the social and political fabric, facilitating loyalty, trust, and legal agreements.

 

3. Finger Rings

The closely related finger rings, are among the most frequently mentioned and discovered types of Viking jewelry. Thousands of examples have been unearthed, showcasing a wide variety of styles and materials, many of which were traded from various parts of the known world.

The sheer diversity of ring designs from the Viking Age is staggering. Rings were crafted from a range of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and often featured intricate designs, runic inscriptions, and sometimes gemstones. These artifacts have been found in numerous locations, indicating widespread use and significant cultural value.

The wealth of written sources mentioning rings is equally vast, with numerous sagas and historical texts referencing these items. It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between armrings and finger rings in these sources. Generally, armrings are referred to as baugr or similar terms, while finger rings are often called hringr. However, this distinction is not always consistent.

One of the most famous rings in Norse mythology, Andvaranaut is a magical ring originally owned by the dwarf Andvari. This ring had the power to find sources of gold. According to legend, Loki stole Andvari's treasure and the ring. In retaliation, Andvari cursed the ring, ensuring it would bring misfortune and destruction to anyone who possessed it. This tale highlights the significant cultural and symbolic importance attributed to rings in Norse mythology.

Another notable account of a famous ring is shown in The Prose Edda account of Fróði's Peace. During this period, the unclaimed golden ring on Jelling Heath symbolized the era's prosperity and the effectiveness of law and order. This anecdote reflects the high regard for rings as valuable items and their role in demonstrating societal stability.

 

"Fridleif’s son was Frode. He took the kingdom after his father, at the time when the Emperor Augustus established peace in all the earth and Christ was born. But Frode being the mightiest king in the northlands, this peace was attributed to him by all who spake the Danish tongue, and the Norsemen called it the 207peace of Frode. No man injured the other, even though he might meet, loose or in chains, his father’s or brother’s bane. There was no thief or robber, so that a gold ring would be a long time on Jalanger’s heath. King Frode sent messengers to Svithjod, to the king whose name was Fjolner, and bought there two maid-servants, whose names were Fenja and Menja. They were large and strong. About this time were found in Denmark two mill-stones, so large that no one had the strength to turn them. But the nature belonged to these mill-stones that they ground whatever was demanded of them by the miller. The name of this mill was Grotte. But the man to whom King Frode gave the mill was called Hengekjapt. King Frode had the maid-servants led to the mill, and requested them to grind for him gold and peace, and Frode’s happiness. Then he gave them no longer time to rest or sleep than while the cuckoo was silent or while they sang a song. It is said that they sang the song called the Grottesong, and before they ended it they ground out a host against Frode; so that on the same night there came the sea-king, whose name was Mysing, and slew Frode and took a large amount of booty. Therewith the Frode-peace ended."
-Prose Edda

 

A particularly interesting example can be found in Beowulf. In the epic, King Hrōðgār is known for sharing rings with his men during feasts in Heorot, symbolizing his generosity and just leadership. This stands in stark contrast to his rival, Heremod, who is depicted as an unjust and greedy king. Hrōðgār criticizes Heremod for hoarding wealth like a savage, highlighting the moral and social expectations of kingship during the period.

“Then bruised in his bosom he with bitter-toothed missile
Is hurt ’neath his helmet: from harmful pollution
He is powerless to shield him by the wonderful mandates
Of the loath-cursèd spirit; what too long he hath holden
Him seemeth too small, savage he hoardeth,
Nor boastfully giveth gold-plated rings,
-Beowulf XXVI

Although this is an Old English text, it recounts the ancestors of English kings who still resided in Scandinavia. In the epic, King Hrōðgār is known for sharing rings with his men during feasts in Heorot, symbolizing his generosity and just leadership. This stands in stark contrast to his rival, Heremod, who is depicted as an unjust and greedy king. Hrōðgār criticizes Heremod for hoarding wealth like a savage, highlighting the moral and social expectations of kingship during the period.

There is also ample evidence that finger rings were equally seen as symbols of wealth, oaths, and good leadership in Anglo-Saxon England. For instance, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle refers to an English king as a generous ring-giver (Old English: beaggifa), a description also used for Jesus in the Old Saxon Heliand.

There are dozens of similar attestations in Norse sources. One notable example is the skaldic poem Hrafnsmál, which describes men wearing rings as "friends of the king," indicating their loyalty and the king's generosity.

 

‘‘One sees from their gear, and from their gold rings, that they are on friendly terms with the king: they possess red cloaks, painted shields, swords wrapped with silver [wires], mail-shirts woven with rings, gilded sword-straps and engraved helmets, rings, which Haraldr chose for them’.’

-Haraldskvæði (Hrafnsmál)

 

Additionally, some Anglo-Saxon runic inscribed rings have been found in England. Interestingly, these rings come from different periods and contexts. Some are clearly from the Viking settlements in England, reflecting the Scandinavian influence during the Viking Age. Others date back to much earlier Anglo-Saxon England when the inhabitants were still pagan and using runes.
We don't carry many finger rings in our shop currently, but hope to add more soon, so please check back.

Another noteworthy find is the Ring of Pietroassa, discovered in Romania and dating to the 5th century. This ring is of Gothic origin, an early Germanic tribe that settled in the east, and it is inscribed with runes.

These discoveries underscore that the importance and sacredness of rings were not exclusive to the Norse Viking Age but were integral to Germanic culture as far back as we can trace.

One final interesting piece of information from the archaeological record pertains to the use and deposition of silver and gold rings. Silver rings are often found as part of a hoard or treasure chest, or within burials. Frequently, these silver rings show evidence of being clipped, indicating that they were used as a form of payment or currency.

In contrast, gold rings are typically found buried individually and are never clipped. This suggests that gold rings were not used for transactional purposes but likely held a different, perhaps more symbolic or prestigious, significance.

This distinction between the uses of silver and gold rings provides valuable insights into the economic and social practices of the Viking Age and earlier Germanic cultures.

 

4. Brooches, Fibula & Pins

Brooches, pins, and fibulae were likely the most common types of jewelry in the Viking Age and earlier Germanic cultures. Despite their prevalence, there are not many significant written sources about them. This lack of documentation is likely because they were so ubiquitous that chroniclers did not find it necessary to write about them—much like how modern writers might not detail the shoelaces we use today.

Brooches and fibulae were essential for fastening clothing. They were used to secure tunics, capes, pants, socks, and other garments, preventing them from falling off. However, these items were not merely practical tools; they also served as jewelry and status symbols. Brooches and fibulae could be made from silver, gold, gems, or other precious materials, indicating the wearer's wealth and social status. Their designs ranged from simple and functional to highly ornate, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.

The widespread archaeological findings of brooches and fibulae across Scandinavia and other regions underscore their importance. These items are frequently found in graves and hoards, often made from valuable materials and displaying intricate designs. While I won't delve deeply into the details here, Below are links to a couple of excellent articles for those interested in learning more about brooches and fibulae in Viking and early Germanic cultures.

http://www.vikingage.org/wiki/wiki/Brooches_-_Viking_Single_Styles

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=viking%20fibula#:~:text=This%20type%20of%20brooch%20was,Baltic%20region%20and%20in%20Karelia.

We currently don't carry brooches or fibulae in our online shop because they aren't in high demand—few people need to fasten a cape around their shoulders daily in modern times. However, if you are interested in these items, please contact us, and we can source them for you.

 

5. Necklaces

5.a. Medallions/Bracteates

Medallions and bracteates are significant pieces of jewelry from the Germanic lands, made from various precious metals and often inscribed with runes. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of these artifacts, each showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and cultural importance of these items.

Many medallions and bracteates are believed to have been worn as amulets to promote good health, as suggested by one historical source. These items were not just ornamental but also held magical or protective purposes, which is why they are arguably among the most important jewelry pieces for the Germanic peoples.

"fylacteria sibi diabolica et caracteres adpendunt"

[The germanic tribes had a] "habit of hanging demonic inscribed (?runic?) amulets on themselves seeking health"
-Caesarius of Arles Sermones 225

 

These pieces were crafted from gold, silver, and other valuable materials, often featuring detailed designs and runic inscriptions. Their widespread presence across Germanic territories highlights their cultural and spiritual significance. Unfortunately, there are not many modern jewelers replicating these historical pieces. Given their historical importance and magical connotations, it would be wonderful to see more artisans creating and popularizing these medallions and bracteates today.

5.b. Mask/Deity Pendants

In addition to medallions and bracteates, another fascinating type of jewelry from the Germanic world is the mask pendant. These small figures, designed to be worn around the neck, clearly depict gods and deities such as Odin, Freya, and Tyr while others depict legendary figures or potentially real ancestral humans.

 

5.c. Animal Pendants/Talismans

The use of animal talismans, such as jaguar or bear tooth necklaces, feathers, hooves, antlers, or shark and alligator teeth, is often considered to be unique to indigenous cultures. However, this is a misconception. Norse culture also embraced the use of such talismans, as evidenced by both written sources and archaeological findings.

Erik the Red's Saga:
One of the most notable references to talismans in Norse literature is found in Erik the Red's Saga. In this saga, a seeress is described in detail before she performs the ritual of seidr (a form of Norse magic). She is depicted as being adorned in animal furs, carrying a staff embedded with gems, and possessing a pouch full of talismans. This vivid description highlights the importance of animal talismans in Norse spiritual practices.

 

"He invited, therefore, the spae-queen to his house, and prepared for her a hearty welcome, as was the custom whereever a reception was accorded a woman of this kind. A high seat was prepared for her, and a cushion laid thereon in which were poultry-feathers. Now, when she came in the evening, accompanied by the man who had been sent to meet her, she was dressed in such wise that she had a blue mantle over her, with strings for the neck, and it was inlaid with gems quite down to the skirt. On her neck she had glass beads. On her head she had a black hood of lambskin, lined with ermine. A staff she had in her hand, with a knob[13] thereon; it was ornamented with brass, and inlaid with gems round about the knob. Around her she wore a girdle of soft hair, and therein was a large skin-bag, in which she kept the talismans needful to her in her wisdom. She wore hairy calf-skin shoes on her feet, with long and strong-looking thongs to them, and great knobs of latten at the ends. On her hands she had gloves of ermine-skin, and they were white and hairy within. Now, when she entered, all men thought it their bounden duty to offer her becoming greetings, and these she received according as the men were agreeable to her."
-Erik the reds Saga

Archaeological finds corroborate this source with graves believed to be seeresses containing many of these items listed. Numerous artifacts made from animal bones, teeth, and antlers have been uncovered in burial sites and settlements. 

One of the most famous finds is a bear tooth pendant discovered in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, where Vikings had settled. This pendant is inscribed with runes and is believed to have been a talisman to aid with hunting. This belief is supported by later folk traditions, as late as the 1800s, where bear tooth and claw necklaces were worn for hunting success.

Another intriguing find is a deer antler pendant from Friesland, in modern-day Netherlands. This pendant is thought to have served as a protection amulet, highlighting the use of animal parts in talismans for various protective and beneficial purposes. Both types of pendants, the bear tooth and the deer antler, are currently in low stock in our shop, but we will be replenishing them soon. If you are interested in these unique pieces, please check back for availability.

An even more extraordinary find is the Ribe skull fragment, a pendant made from human bone inscribed with runes and worn around the neck. This pendant exemplifies the Norse practice of using powerful and personal materials in their talismans. Needless to say, the materials to create an authentic replica of this talisman would not be easy to come by, so we do not expect to carry this in our shop.

These are only a few of the examples that illustrate the deep-rooted tradition of using animal and even human materials in Norse talismans. It is of course not only a practice for indigenous cultures in other parts of the world. Each item, whether a bear tooth, deer antler, or human bone, held significant symbolic and practical value, serving purposes such as aiding in hunting or providing protection. This rich heritage of talismanic practices highlights the intricate beliefs and customs of the Norse people, reflecting their connection to nature and the spiritual world.

5.d. Necklaces of other various materials

Beads/Glass

In addition to the previously covered neck jewelry, there are a few other materials that made for popular use during the viking age and before.

Glass beads were highly valued and prominently featured in Viking jewelry. In Erik the Red's Saga, a seeress is described wearing glass beads, underscoring their significance. Numerous archaeological finds from sites such as Fyrkat, Kaupang, Iceland, and Birka include graves of women believed to be seeresses or völva, who were buried with glass bead necklaces. These beads were not just decorative but held symbolic and possibly magical significance. In addition to glass, other gemstones were also highly prized.

The presence of gemstone necklaces in Viking burials suggests that these materials were considered valuable and were possibly associated with spiritual or protective qualities. The craftsmanship and the materials used reflect the status and wealth of the wearer. In Eastern Europe, where the Rus Vikings settled, bead necklaces were especially valued as told by Ibn Fadlan, and Arab merchant who encountered the Rus vikings.

 

"The most desirable ornaments they(the Rus) have are green ceramic beads they keep in their boats. They will pay dearly for them, one dirham for a single bead. They thread them into necklaces for their wives."
-Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness

 

Amber

Beads made from materials like amber, carnelian, and other gemstones were highly sought after. These materials were often traded over long distances, reflecting the extensive trade networks of the Vikings. The beads' value was significant, contrasting with today's mass-produced beads, which have diminished in value due to their abundance.

Amber necklaces are an often underrated but significant type of jewelry in Norse culture. These pieces are notable for their extensive historical presence, spanning thousands of years. Amber, fossilized tree resin, has been highly valued since the Bronze Age, over 3000 years ago, and continued to be prized during the Viking Age.

Hundreds of amber necklaces have been discovered, with many examples displayed in museums. These finds demonstrate the long-lasting appeal and value of amber across different periods. Amber necklaces from the Baltic region were particularly treasured, as this area was a major source of amber for the Vikings.

Amber was not just appreciated for its beauty; it also held sacred and symbolic meanings. One of the most famous references to an amber necklace in Norse mythology is Brisingamen, the necklace of the goddess Freya. Brisingamen is frequently mentioned in various sources, highlighting its importance. While the specific symbolism of Brisingamen can be complex and multifaceted, it undoubtedly reflects the sacred and revered nature of amber in Norse culture.

We have recently started carrying amber necklaces sourced from the Baltic region, the same area from which the Vikings would have traded for amber. These necklaces offer a tangible connection to the past, allowing modern wearers to appreciate the same material that was so highly valued by their ancestors.

Metal Torcs

Torcs, or neck rings, are another significant piece of jewelry that appears in the archaeological record, though they were more traditionally associated with Celtic and Roman cultures. By the Viking Age, however, torcs had begun to gain popularity in Scandinavia and among the Rus Vikings in Eastern Europe.

While torcs were not as common in Viking contexts as in Celtic or Roman ones, they do appear in Scandinavian archaeological sites from the Viking Age. These torcs were often made from metals such as gold, silver, and bronze, and featured intricate designs, indicating their value and the status of the wearer.

In Eastern Europe, where the Rus Vikings settled, torcs were particularly popular among women. There is historical evidence suggesting that a wealthy man would commission a metal torc for his wife for every 10,000 dirhams he earned, highlighting both the economic and social significance of these items. The practice of gifting torcs to women as symbols of wealth and status was a notable aspect of the culture in these regions.

"Brooches, torques and beads
All their women wear on their bosoms a circular brooch 81 made of iron, silver, copper or gold, depending on their husband’s wealth and social position. Each brooch has a ring in which is a knife, also attached to the bosom. Round their necks, they wear torques of gold and silver, for every man, as soon as he accumulates 10,000 dirhams, has a torque made for his wife. When he has 20,000, he has two torques made and so on. Every time he increases his fortune by 10,000, he adds another torque to those his wife already possesses, so that one woman may have many torques round her neck."
-Ibn Fadlan and the Land of Darkness

 

Conclusion

Viking jewelry is a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Norse people. From the iconic Thor's hammer pendants and versatile armrings to the intricate brooches, talismans, and bead necklaces, each piece tells a story of the Viking Age's craftsmanship, values, and beliefs. The use of animal parts in talismans, such as bear teeth and deer antlers, highlights the deep connection between the Vikings and the natural world, while the prevalence of glass and gemstone beads underscores the extensive trade networks and the value placed on these materials. Amber necklaces, with their long history and sacred significance, along with the torcs that reflect a blend of Celtic, Roman, and Scandinavian influences, further illustrate the diversity and richness of Viking jewelry traditions.

Our website is dedicated to preserving this historical accuracy by offering authentic Viking jewelry and museum replicas crafted in the countries of origin. We take pride in ensuring that each piece reflects the true essence of Viking craftsmanship and cultural significance. Whether you are looking for historically accurate reproductions or unique pieces inspired by archaeological finds, our collection provides a genuine connection to the Viking heritage. Explore our range of authentic jewelry to appreciate the artistry and history that these pieces represent, and wear a piece of the past with pride.