Expensive Jewellery Has Always Depicted High Ranking
Historically, Viking jewellery was actually expensive jewellery, however these days it is possible to acquire superb items fashioned to provide that greater status look, at very good prices. Both men and the women cherished wearing fine precious jewelry throughout the Viking Age. Easily transportable riches such as Viking jewellery was key to portraying a good image, as well as a convenient technique of keeping their wealth at their side.
Of course, we also recognize that from time to time folks in those days over a 1,000 years back, buried most of their treasure to help keep it safe. It actually is every metal detector and archaeologist’s hope to identify a hoard of coins or possibly a stack of handmade silver jewellery. There are plenty of widely recognized hoards that are now on display for the general public inside of the British Museum not to mention local museums throughout the country.
A current example of a hoard was found close to the aptly named village of Silverdale, Lancashire. Amongst the items identified had been silver brooches, coins, arm-rings, and ingots. Professionals indicate that the 201 items, weighing more than two pounds had been hidden in approximately 900 AD. The aesthetic valuation on the pieces of jewelry is priceless and there were also coins bearing the word AIRDECONUT which could signify the Scandinavian name Harthacnut. The date suggests that this is a Viking king who had been prior to now unknown.
The coins reveal to us who the ruler was and perhaps the folk of that time were pagan or Christian. The expensive jewellery tells us about style and fashion and art amongst the rich and successful of that time period. It is possible to also find out who the public traded with by analyzing whether or not the jewellery was created here or somewhere else, for example Turkey or maybe the Mediterranean.
People that worked with metal similar to smiths and jewellery manufacturers were looked upon as having magical powers because they wrought their art via the alchemy of hot metals. Molten gold, silver and bronze ran like streams of shiny fire right into moulds as the Viking artisans perfected their craft. There are a lot of folk legends pertaining to these magical beings, in addition to their connection to the Viking gods.
The most famous of these metal workers was Wayland the Smith, who cast swords, weaponry and pieces of jewelry for kings and gods. Wayland turns up in Norse mythology as well as in Anglo Saxon records. One account tells of how Wayland was taken by an evil king who compelled him to create amazing items of jewellery for him and the family. However the smith took revenge by murdering the king’s children, converting their skulls right into drinking goblets as well as their eyes into jewels. Perhaps not the precious gifts you might wish to receive, however delightfully wrought.
There’s also an English tradition on the subject of Waylands Smithy, which is really a primitive earthwork in Wiltshire. Travelers over the historic Ridgeway close by, whose horse had misplaced a shoe could leave behind the animal as well as a small silver coin at the smithy over night. When they returned in the morning hours they would find the money gone and the horse re-shod.
Viking jewellery was worn to depict prestige, money and power. The more intricate the style of this expensive jewellery – the higher the supposed status of the wearer. The personal message would certainly be sent loud and clear that this person had top status.
Even in death Viking jewellery carried meaning and weight. It turned out routine to bury grave goods together with the dead through the Norse period. The most notable members of society were laid to rest with necklaces around the throat, bangles or amulets around the arms and rings on the fingers. Brooches employed to fasten cloaks in life were in position on the breast or shoulder at the grave.
Viking Jewellery is Not Very Expensive Jewellery Today
Viking inspired jewellery can often be found amongst Orkney jeweller’s selections. They don’t come up with faithful copies of pieces as designed by specialized Viking jewellery manufacturers, they consider the art of the age as the basis for creating a large variety of extremely sought-after items. They’re avidly acquired by generations of Scottish jewelry fans. You can see many examples on our website here.
Among the many Orkney jewellery collections which includes a Norse style is definitely the Finnish Beast. This splendid animal was hand carved on the hilt of an age-old sword located in Suontake, Finland. It recalls the golden period of the Norsemen’s culture along with their powerful and mysterious mythology. An additional gorgeous example will be the St Magnus design, crafted from the Viking variety of the rose window contained in the Saint Magnus’s cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney’s most important town.
Viking runic writing also features in the collections of Ingibiorg together with the Runic ring. This was the historic style of the Norse alphabet. Viking jewellery is available in silver or gold, or perhaps for more expensive jewellery versions can be ordered in white gold. The traditional craft is in existence and kicking within these isles of Orkney the place that the Vikings once resided and worked.