Viking Necklaces Collection
In the history of Viking civilisation, Viking jewellery was considered something very important. It was an integral part of life, and craftsmen fully considered it in their designs.
Jewellery, in addition to necklaces, included arm rings and rings. Each piece had a deep meaning and was also a perfect decorative item.
While the creations of contemporary artists today contain different elements, Viking necklaces originally served to represent their social status and their relationship to mythological animals and nature.
Meaning of Viking Necklaces in Society
In Viking society, wearing a necklace had several meanings. To show their love for their faith and religion, the Vikings wore pendants around their necks. It was a way of showing respect to the members of the pantheon. This practice was carried out by all parts of the population, from men and women to young and old.
Necklaces are also present in Norse mythology. Freya was the goddess of love, beauty, attraction, prophecy, and fertility. She is the twin sister of the god Freyr and owns a necklace called Brisingar, made of gold and amber. It is said to have an irresistible charm when she wears it. This proves that the necklace held an important place in Viking culture, both for men and gods.
Wearing a necklace also meant possessing the magical powers it contained. These abilities were transferred by all the gods and creatures within their faith. A Viking warrior became stronger when wearing his necklace in battle against his enemies. It would then multiply his abilities tenfold, enabling him to defeat any other person.
The necklaces worn by the Vikings were also a means of displaying social status. Their jewellery often featured various types of gemstones. These were worn by the wealthy and nobles of society.
How Viking Necklaces Were Made
Through the fame of the ships they built, we know that the Vikings were very skilled at designing all kinds of objects. To make their necklaces, they had several specialised tools.
These included hammers, pliers, pincers, anvils, and, most importantly, crucibles. Archaeological findings have uncovered moulds that were exclusively used for making jewellery. To make these moulds, the Vikings would place an existing lead model into clay. This way, craftsmen were able to produce a large number of jewels, enabling mass production.
As these were almost sacred items, precious materials were used.
Metals like gold, silver, and bronze were highly valued because they allowed individuals to shine among their peers. For the humbler ones, pendants made of glass beads or amber were common. The wealthiest could afford to add gemstones or even crystals.
In most beaded necklaces, there would be one, two, or three beads. Seeing more than three beads on a necklace was extremely rare. People who wore such an object held an important status in society and had some degree of wealth.
The pendants on these necklaces were religious symbols and keepsakes that held significance for the wearer. An iconic and popular symbol like Thor’s Hammer would make the Viking stronger in battle. More commonly, amulets such as arrowheads and axes were used.
To tie all these items together, the Viking craftsmen used wire and natural fibres in various lengths and sizes to accommodate all neck sizes.
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