What is Viking Jewellery?

Viking Jewellery is a bold and stylish choice, but did ancient Vikings wear jewellery, and does our modern interpretation resemble its historical counterpart?

Viking Jewellery is strikingly beautiful; its twisting knots, runes, and powerful design are highly appealing to many audiences. While Vikings have always been a staple in popular culture, recently, they have seen a resurgence of popularity throughout the mainstream. From Viking metal bands to super-powered Norse gods across the big screen, and all other manners of Norse representation can be seen in nearly every consumer market space. This popularity has, of course, also extended to the world of jewelry. But is the viking jewellery we see on shelves today in the UK reminiscent of what Vikings actually wore? Is it a modern adaptation of classical cultural designs or something else entirely? Just what is Viking Jewellery?

Viking Jewellery In History

While the idea of Vikings making sail and landing upon mist begotten shores while garbed in fine jewels and trinkets may seem odd, it isn't far from the truth. Evidence from Viking artifacts, relics, and burial sites has shown that Vikings fashioned and wore all manner of jewellery; from bracelets to brooches, rings, and necklaces, Vikings enjoyed their adornments as much as we do today. 

For the Vikings, precious metals like gold, silver, and bronze were considered highly valuable; jewellery was a status and wealth symbol. Therefore, it was highly regarded that Vikings who owned jewellery were buried with it. In the Viking Age, men and women alike wore the jewelry; while the specifics did differ for each gender, both sexes were known to wear it. For them, popular kinds of jewellery were circles, rings, pendants, and armbands of brass and gold; however, one article, in particular, was equally popular between both sexes, a pendant depicting Thor's Hammer Mjolnir. An important cultural symbol of the time, Mjolnir pendants are easily the most common form of ancient Viking jewellery found at excavations. 

Does Modern Viking Jewellery In The UK Resemble Its Ancient Counterpart?

While not all modern interpretations of Viking Jewellery hold to the designs of its forebears, many elements of ancient Norse culture and jewellery have become inspirations for modern jewel crafters. As we mentioned earlier, Mjolnir was just as popular back then as it has become today, and traditional pendants of longships are also popular. One of the most culturally accurate modern interpretations of ancient Norse Jewellery is the torque necklace or band. Torque, from the Latin term torquis, or to twist, is a style of band that twists together, usually with a large gap in the centre. A Torque is a type of necklace that has been prevalent throughout many cultures over the centuries, including the Vikings. They wore Torques fashioned like twisting serpents; today, you can buy Viking style torque necklaces and bands, and while made of modern materials and designed around modern tastes, they still largely hold true to their ancient ancestors. 

If you would like to look at some high-quality Viking jewellery, we offer a wide selection of hand-crafted, artisan jewellery made locally in the UK. Or, if you have any questions about our products or would like to sell your jewellery through Odissa, you can contact us here.