Vikings - The Newest Trend in Jewelry

Vikings are often portrayed as rough, brutal, and grimy, adorned with long beards and hair but according to historical evidence, they also possessed a highly sophisticated artisanal and artistic culture. Vikings were very proud of the way they presented themselves. Apart from discovering new continents and reciting skaldic odes, woodwork and metalwork were among the Vikings' most impressive skills. 

France, Russia, and Great Britain were among the few countries the Vikings invaded and left cultural traces there. The Metropolitan Museum of Art defines Viking as a Scandinavian culture during the medieval period referred to as the Golden Age of the Vikings, which flourished between 750 and 1050 AD. 

Vikings passion for art, especially jewelry, made them excellent artisans. It was their refined taste and elegance that enabled them to trade with powerful empires like Byzantium and the Holy Roman Empire. Jewelry inspired by ancient myths was a hallmark of their work. Let’s learn more about it.

Viking jewelry, known for its bold designs and intricate details, holds a mystic allure cherished by people since antiquity. These ancient adornments not only illustrate Viking craftsmanship, but also reveal the Norse culture, beliefs, and aspirations. 

In this article, we are going to explore the culture of Viking jewelry, specifically its history, symbolism, material composition, and popular designs. Discover the mysteries behind these remarkable artifacts as we follow their trail together. Let’s get started.

Viking jewelry reached its zenith during the Viking Age, roughly spanning the 8th to 11th centuries. Designed by skilled artisans, the pieces had deeper cultural and religious significance than mere decoration. Whether it was brooches, pendants, rings, or arm rings, Viking jewelry was worn by both men and women as a symbol of loyalty, love, fortune, status, and protection. Their society valued elegance and refinement, and the Jewelry testifies that they weren't just about raiding, sexuality, and food. They were more than that. In the Viking age, for instance, the Vikings often buried these treasures along with their dead, demonstrating their significance. Now let's take a closer look at their symbolism and meanings.

Viking jewelry was adorned with strong meaningful symbols, each with its own significance. It was believed that the Mjölnir, or Thor's hammer, symbolized strength and protection.

The Valknut symbolized honor and bravery, the Vegvisir compass guided travelers and the Helm of Awe or Aegishjalmur embodied protection and courage. Understanding the symbolism behind Viking jewelry accentuates our appreciation of its timeless charm.

Viking jewelry was crafted using a variety of materials, displaying the ingenuity of its craftsmen. Today, Viking jewelers are still admired for their incredible craftsmanship as the art of crafting Viking jewelry is a very arduous process that takes years to master. Metals such as silver, gold, bronze, and iron were used to craft these. The intricate patterns and designs were achieved by granulation, filigree work, and twisting. Once all the materials have been selected, the next step is to design the product. It is usually the work of skilled craftsmen who have years of experience in making Viking jewelry artifacts. To produce jewelry and everyday objects, foreign coins were melted and shaped using hammers and melting tools and poured into molds made of wax, wood, and clay. Finished with intricate designs and delicate carvings, Viking jewelry collections were often decorated with animal, plant, and geometric shapes. 

Several techniques were used to make jewels and objects distinctive and unique, like using materials of no value to make brooches and carving them to create designs, with beaten metal wires inside, after which they were polished. Not only were they skilled with metals, but also with stone, as they engraved and worked it, and last but not least, wood; chisels, engravings, and polishings were all part of their art. Pieces of jewelry were sometimes made using the "lost wax" method, which involves making a mold and pouring metal into it. After cooling it, the wax was removed and polished.

The unique designs of Viking jewelry still fascinate modern-day enthusiasts. The exquisite knotwork, animal motifs, and mythological creatures synonymous with Viking adornments include dragons and wolves. There are two styles that are particularly renowned: the Jellinge style, which features intertwined animal forms, and the Borre style, with gripping beast patterns. This heritage inspires modern artisans and jewelers to craft gorgeous Viking-themed jewelry.

The Vikings wore a variety of jewelry during the Viking Age, just as we do today. Jewelry was worn not only for its aesthetic properties but also as a means of exchanging money, along with symbols of personal or religious significance. Rings were viewed as a symbol of wealth and status, whereas necklaces and bracelets were believed to keep evil spirits away. Design inspirations from Norse mythology and Celtic culture are the most popular. Some of the most popular designs feature dragons, wolves, and a variety of other creatures sacred to Norse mythology. Archaeologists, however, have discovered that both Viking men and women wore jewelry. It was considered part of their attire for Viking women to wear animal motif necklaces and brooches on their dresses.

In recent years, Viking jewelry has experienced a resurgence thanks to renewed interest in Viking culture. Norse heritage and timeless appeal make these pieces highly desirable. History buffs, jewelry lovers, or anyone looking for a connection to the past are sure to appreciate Viking jewelry. There are authentic replicas as well as beautifully crafted modern interpretations for collectors and enthusiasts to treasure.

The necklaces worn by men were usually twisted metal bars decorated with gemstones, amulets, or pendants; while women wore more elaborate necklaces. As far as the rings are concerned, they only differed in size based on gender, as did bracelets, although both armbands and bracelets were believed to have ceremonial and social meaning. Besides brooches, pendants of different shapes and sizes were popular jewelry examples. 

Most often, they were associated with the gods, and for that reason, they could be shaped like a throne, a Sleipnir (Odin's steed), or divine weapons, of which Thor's hammer, Mjölnir, was the most popular: not only did it offer protection against threats, but also provided strength in times of trouble.

Besides these pendants, Viking men were known to wear arm rings, essentially leather, gold, or silver bracelets. Vikings often used arm rings as a form of payment to anyone for anything. Payments were often made with parts of a ring. These arm rings symbolized social status as allies exchanged them, and powerful lords often bestowed their loyalty on their warriors by giving them these rings.

Viking women wore brooches to hold their dresses' straps in place, so they were probably the most common Viking jewelry item. Brooches were also commonly used by men to hold their cloaks onto their shoulders. Bronze was the most common material used for these brooches, with oval-shaped brooches dominating the ninth and early tenth centuries, but disk-shaped brooches became increasingly popular after that.

The author of "Viking Age: Everyday Life During the Extraordinary Era of the Norsemen" makes a comment about brooches: “Brooches are what we might call essential jewelry pieces since they serve to secure clothing". A dome-shaped oval brooch is most commonly used by women to fasten their clothing. Worn in pairs, they measure about 10-12 cm, adorned with reliefs and filigree accents.

Viking jewelry belongs to people with Viking ancestry and those who are inspired by them. This type of jewelry is usually made with silver, bronze, or iron, the materials specific to Viking cultures. Dragons, ravens, and wolves are also symbols that Viking jewelry often carries.

Well, that depends on your personal preferences, style, and interests as Viking jewelry has a unique style that caters to everyone's needs. Viking jewelry may appeal to some people because of their cultural heritage, while others might just be drawn to its unique and intricate design. It's worth researching Viking jewelry's history and meaning if you're not sure whether it's right for you. Consider speaking with a jewelry professional to find out what pieces are right for you.

Buying Viking products is easy because there are so many different places to shop. You can go online, shop locally, or visit a store specializing in Norse jewelry. SILVERMANIA925 specializes in handmade Viking jewelry of the highest quality. You have come to the right place if you are looking for Viking handcrafted jewelry and can't seem to find the right design and price range on other websites. Each of our pieces is crafted with love, care, and style, and we strive to give buyers the best possible experience.

Viking jewelry endures as an enchanting artifact, serving as a window to the Norse culture. A true treasure, Viking adornments are rich in history, symbolism, craftsmanship, and distinctive designs. No matter what your reason for wearing Viking jewelry is, it holds a timeless appeal for anyone who appreciates the aesthetic beauty, makes an effort to honor their heritage, or loves the stories behind these relics.