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In the rugged, tempestuous world of Viking culture, jewelry was more than just adornment. It denoted rank, affiliation, and personal accomplishments. It also served as powerful amulets to protect warriors in battle and bring favor from the gods.
Archaeological finds show that both Viking men and women wore earrings. Earring designs varied from simple hoops to elaborate representations of animals and mystical symbols.
Brooches
The Vikings’ fearless adventures and unyielding courage have left an indelible mark on history. Their spirit of adventure and unyielding strength inspire many men today to channel their inner warrior. But it’s not just about the bravery and power of these ancient warriors—the Vikings were also highly skilled artisans. They were experts at intricate jewellery making, including the art of filigree and granulation.
Examining the Vikings’ jewelry offers glimpses into their societal structures and beliefs. They adorned themselves with a wide array of pendants, rings, bracelets, necklaces and other pieces that conveyed powerful messages. From a Mjolnir pendant for protection to an arm ring for loyalty, these adornments offered a gateway into their beliefs and values.
Among the most common finds in Viking graves are brooches. These small decorative metal fasteners were typically worn to hold together a cloak or shawl and were often elaborately decorated. A gilded bronze brooch with three bears found in the Birka Grave Bj 1095, Sweden, is a particularly noteworthy example of this type of Viking Age brooche.
Vikings used a variety of materials to craft their jewellery, but silver was a preferred material, as it was associated with wealth and status. It is a highly malleable and durable metal that can be used to create delicate patterns.
In addition to animal motifs, Vikings often used symbols of the gods and the natural world in their jewelry. For instance, a brooch of wolves holding Mjolnir symbolises the strength and protection of the Norse gods. Similarly, a Viking necklace depicting the Norse tree of life, Yggdrasil, symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things.
Whether you’re looking for a brooch that carries the power of Mjolnir or a pendant inspired by the Norse goddess Freya and her connection to love, fertility and beauty, we have a large selection of Viking-inspired earrings and brooches. Browse our collection to find a piece that speaks to your warrior soul.
Necklaces
Although the Vikings – seafarers and warriors from the late eighth to the early eleventh century – are often depicted as ruthless raiders and plunderers, they were not without a deep cultural tradition of art and skilled craftsmanship. This is especially true of Viking jewelry, which played a vital role in expressing identity and beliefs in Viking culture.
From necklaces to hairpins, authentic Viking necklace embodied the power and sophistication of Norse culture, with each piece bearing meaningful symbolism that conveyed a sense of identity and purpose. Our Viking Spike Earrings are an example of this, featuring antique silver filigree charms adorned with long spikes that embody the strength and power of Norse warriors. They are sure to make a bold statement in any setting and are the perfect accessory for those who want to channel their inner warrior.
Authentic Viking jewelry was typically crafted from bronze, silver, or gold, as well as natural materials like amber, glass beads, and semi-precious stones. It also made use of a unique technique called stamping, which allowed jewelers to imprint intricate patterns into the surface of the metal using a series of punches. This was a more economical approach to cloisonné and filigree, and it also allowed for the addition of color in the finished piece.
In addition to necklaces, a variety of Viking women’s jewelry was worn including bracelets and rings. These jewelry pieces were a sign of wealth, status, and social standing, as well as an important symbol for the Vikings’ spirituality. For a beautiful yet meaningful addition to your Viking jewelry collection, our Norse Raven Viking Ring is the perfect choice. It carries a powerful symbolism of protection and wisdom, based on the mythology of the raven god Odin.
The Naglfar Viking Necklace series is inspired by the angular iron rivets on the Myklebust ship found in a burial mound from the 900s and the handle of a staff that was discovered in a woman’s grave from the same time. The Naglfar name also references the Norse cosmology of the world tree Yggdrasil and the cycle of Ragnarok, the destruction and rebirth of the old world.
Rings
Vikings weren’t just a fierce warrior civilization; they were also master craftsmen who created jewelry and other metalwork. These ornaments reflected their culture, their beliefs, and their societal structures. They’re enchanting artifacts that hold a special appeal for anyone who wears them, honors their heritage, or just appreciates the design, craftsmanship, and symbolism.
While most “Viking” jewelry you see today is a bit chunky, with lots of dragons and knot patterns, the Vikings were actually quite fine jewellers. They used advanced smithing techniques like casting and filigree to create detailed, intricate pieces.
Viking earrings were one of the most common forms of jewellery. They were worn both by men and women, often as a display of wealth. These rings incorporated a wide variety of designs, from simple hoops to intricate animal and geometric shapes. They could even be adorned with precious gemstones to add a touch of elegance and radiance.
Arm rings, on the other hand, served a dual purpose as both jewellery and currency in the Viking world. Some were designed to wrap around the entire arm, serving as a signifier of status and power. Others were much smaller, only able to fit around three-quarters of the arm, making them more convenient for use in economic transactions. These arm rings were sometimes engraved with a design representing their owners’ societal standing or a specific role they were expected to play in society.
The Vikings were a fearsome and proud people, and their jewellery was meant to show this strength and determination to the world. The symbols they wore were deeply symbolic and represented a range of themes from their mythology, religion, and everyday life. From the intricately crafted Mjolnir pendant to the Valknut, a tribute to the brave warriors chosen for Valhalla, their jewellery was a reminder of the indomitable spirit within them. Today, wearing Viking jewellery is a way to connect with that same strength and resilience.
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