What Materials Were Used To Make Viking Jewelry?

To the Vikings, jewelry was not just adornment. In most instances, it was also currency and displayed wealth, status, and personal taste. Viking Age craftspeople utilized an incredibly wide variety of materials, from base metals to priceless diamonds, each selected for its availability, worth, and beauty.

Bronze – Practical and Common

Bronze was the most common metal for Viking jewelry. It was inexpensive, easy to work with, and could be cast into hundreds of various shapes. Bronze arm rings, brooches, and buckles were worn by common people. Though it lacked the status of silver or gold, its hardiness made it a practical option for everyday wear items. Bronze develops a green patina over time, which most Vikings might have considered added character to the piece.

Silver – Wealth and Status

Silver had a more privileged position in Viking society. It was a symbol of success and was usually acquired through trade with other areas or taken in raids. Artisans engraved intricate knotwork, animal heads, and runic designs into silver bracelets, pendants, and earrings.

Gold – Power and Prestige

Gold was valuable and held higher than any other metal. Only the wealthy and powerful could afford gold jewelry, and it was reserved for special occasions or important events. Gold was made into highly crafted necklaces, arm rings, and decorative pins, often combined with gemstones for a more striking look.

Gemstones – Color and Symbol

Vikings traded widely, which provided them access to stones like amethysts, garnets, and pearls. These stones were set in silver or gold to create pendants, brooches, and inlays on weapon hilts. Each stone added color and elegance, which makes the piece more visually interesting in a way that plain metal would not.

Glass – Affordable Beauty

Viking bracelets and necklaces frequently used glass beads. They could be strung together to create patterns and were available in a variety of colors. Glass added a vibrant, striking appearance to common jewelry, even though it wasn't as precious as jewels.

Amber – The Baltic Gold

Amber was prized for its warm color and its smoothness. It could be carved into ornaments or polished into beads to be strung into necklaces. There were also Vikings who believed that amber had healing qualities or protective qualities, linking it with good fortune, sun symbolism, or warding off evil, which elevated it to more than the ornament level.

Animal Bones and Teeth – Trophies and Talismans

Teeth and bones of animals were quite popular in Viking jewelry. Far from mere adornment, these were carved into significant pendants, beads, and protective amulets.

Vikings used these items for a variety of purposes: as trophies from a successful hunt, as good luck charms, or to indicate their connection to Norse gods and myths. The items were usually made from strong animals, each of which had a particular significance. For example:

• Bear teeth and bones were worn for strength.
• Wolf teeth demonstrated a relationship to the god Odin.
• Boar tusks represented courage.
• Deer bones or antlers were associated with fertility.

For the more intricate pieces, walrus and whale ivory were used by carvers, which was ideal for intricate designs.

Shells – From the Shore

Vikings, particularly those residing in coastal villages, utilized shells to create jewelry. Shells were utilized to decorate brooches or shaped into pendants and beads and appreciated for their natural beauty and availability. Since the Vikings depended so much on the sea for fishing, trade, and raids, shells served as a reminder of their maritime lifestyle. Sometimes they were shaped into symbolic patterns or geometric shapes. While not as well-liked as amber or metal, shells contributed a simple, natural style to their personal ornaments.

Wood – Lightweight and Carvable

Since wood was light in weight and easy to carve, it was utilized to make beads, pendants, and other tiny charms. It was also often inlaid with metal, paint, or engravings for aesthetic appeal. Patterns were sometimes based on Norse patterns such as the Tree of Life or animal symbols, reflecting cultural narrative. Wood was cheap and widely available, making fast, customized items possible, but since it rots, there are fewer examples remaining than stone or metal.

Discover Viking-Inspired Jewelry for a Bold Look

In short, the Vikings used a variety of materials in their jewelry making, each with its own cultural and practical significance. From bronze and silver to gold and gems, the Vikings were skilled in creating beautiful and intricate pieces that continue to captivate and inspire people to this day.

Today, brands like Faithheart keep this tradition alive with modern pieces made from materials such as sterling silver, stainless steel, and alloys. Some even use PU leather for unique designs. Discover more jewelry pieces from Faithheart to make you stand out in the crowd!

3 FAQ About Viking Jewelry Materials

Q1: What was the most common Viking jewelry material?

A: Bronze was the most common material since it was inexpensive, easy to work with, and strong enough for everyday wear.

Q2: Were organic materials like bone or wood common in Viking jewelry?

A: They were not as prevalent as metal but were still utilized. Bones, teeth, shells, and wood were frequently worked into pendants or beads, at times holding symbolic significance.

Q3: Which gemstones did Vikings utilize?

A: Amethysts, garnets, and pearls were the most prevalent, set in silver or gold. They came from trade routes that reached far beyond Scandinavia.