Medieval and Viking jewellery
Medieval and Viking jewellery is far more than just decorative accessories – it tells a story of faith, status, craftsmanship and cultural identity from centuries long past. Whether it’s a bronze bangle with a wolf motif, silver-plated earrings in the Borre style or a historically accurate replica bone pin: every piece tells a story that dates back to the early Middle Ages.
Jewellery in the Middle Ages and the Viking Age: what did people actually wear?
In the Middle Ages and the Viking Age, jewellery was not the sole privilege of the nobility. Ordinary people also wore brooches, hairpins and arm rings – partly for practical reasons, partly as an expression of identity and belonging. The brooch held the cloak together and was also a piece of jewellery; the bone hairpin was both an everyday object and a status symbol.
Vikings also used jewellery as a store of wealth: silver bracelets and so-called ‘hacksilver’ – pieces of broken jewellery – served as a means of payment in trade. Those who were wealthy literally wore their wealth on their bodies. Typical forms of jewellery from the Viking Age include brooches, neck rings (torques), arm and finger rings, pendants, earrings and pins made of bone or brass. The materials range from bronze and brass to bone and antler, right through to silver – gold was reserved for the elite.
Charms and protective symbols of Norse mythology
In Norse mythology, jewellery was never merely decorative. Amulets and pendants had a specific religious and apotropaic function – they were intended to protect, bring good luck or strengthen the connection to the gods.
The most famous lucky charm of the Viking Age is Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer. Worn as a pendant, it was both a religious symbol and a protective amulet – comparable to the cross in a Christian context. Archaeological finds show that Thor’s hammer pendants made of bronze and silver were widespread throughout Scandinavia. The Valknut, a symbol consisting of three interlocking triangles, is closely associated with Odin and the transition between life and death. The Vegvísir, an Icelandic runic symbol, is regarded as a guide – whoever wears it is said to find their way even in a storm. Yggdrasil, the world tree of Norse cosmology, appears as a pendant and symbolises the order of the universe. Animal amulets in the form of wolves, ravens and dragons had a strengthening or protective significance and were found on jewellery as well as on weapons and equipment.
An overview of typical jewellery forms
Brooches & garment pins
Brooches served primarily as fastenings for coats and robes, but were also pieces of jewellery. Depending on the era and region, disc brooches, ring brooches, animal brooches in the Borre style and simple bow brooches differ considerably in form and decoration.
Bracelets & armbands
Viking bracelets were worn open and were often made of bronze or silver. In some cases, they served as currency – chopped-off pieces were used as small change. Motifs range from simple spirals to elaborate animal and interlaced designs.
Necklaces, pendants & amulets
Viking necklaces and pendants had religious and protective significance. Mjölnir pendants, runestones used as jewellery and animal amulets are well documented archaeologically. Medieval necklaces and pendants featuring religious symbols were also part of the everyday jewellery of broad sections of the population.
Earrings
Earrings from the Viking Age range from simple wire hooks to elaborate Borre-style animal motifs. Archaeological finds show that earrings were worn by both women and men.
Hairpins & bone pins
Hairpins and bone pins are among the most common jewellery finds from the Viking Age. Finds from Trondheim are particularly well-known, where well-preserved bone specimens were discovered – serving as models for faithful replicas.
Hair ornaments & beard beads
Viking beard jewellery and hair ornaments such as beard beads and hair clips are known from pictorial and archaeological sources. They complete a harmonious overall look at re-enactments and medieval markets.
Materials: bronze, brass, bone and silver
| Material | Suitability | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Historical | The most common material found in archaeological finds, easy to cast, develops a characteristic patina; suitable for re-enactment and everyday wear |
| Brass | Historical | A more affordable alternative to bronze, also castable, similar appearance; frequently used for brooches and fittings |
| Silver-plated brass | LARP | More authentic silver appearance without the cost of real silver; more robust in wear tests, good for active use |
| Bone & antler | Historical | Well documented by Scandinavian finds; crafted into pins, beads and pendants; authentic and lightweight |
| Silver (925) | Historical | Particularly prized by the Vikings, partly remelted from coin silver; of the highest historical value, for sophisticated re-enactment |
Viking jewellery for re-enactment, LARP and everyday wear
- Archaeologically verified replicas based on excavated artefacts – e.g. Trondheim bone pin or Borre-style earrings
- Materials correspond to historical findings: bronze, bone, silver
- Use brooches as functional and authentic fastenings for garments
- Combine with Viking clothing for men or Viking clothing for women for an authentic overall look
- Hairpins and beard beads as complementary details
- Appearance and stylistic fit are paramount – materials may vary
- Silver-plated brass: more robust, requires less maintenance than sterling silver
- Easy to put on is important for frequent wear or stage combat
- Combine with medieval brooches and a matching Viking or medieval belt for a cohesive look
- Bracelets and necklaces can also be worn as everyday jewellery in a Nordic style
Viking jewellery: symbols, motifs and their meanings
Thor’s hammer (Mjölnir) is the quintessential symbol of Viking-era jewellery culture. As a pendant, it served as a public declaration of faith in the Norse religion during the Viking Age – comparable to the cross in Christianity. Finds from across the entire Viking-era territory attest to its prevalence in bronze and silver, in both simple and richly decorated designs.
Animal motifs played a central role: wolves – Geri and Freki, Odin’s companions – stood for loyalty and strength. Grappling animals in the Borre style, recognisable by their characteristic intertwined bodies and claws, adorned brooches, earrings and pendants from the 9th and 10th centuries. Snakes and dragons were regarded as symbols of power and guardians of knowledge. Runes on jewellery served as talismans for protection and good luck – carved into bone, bronze or silver. Odin’s ravens Huginn and Muninn (thought and memory), Yggdrasil as a representation of the world order, and the Valknut as a symbol of Odin complete the range of motifs in Nordic jewellery art. Those who delve deeper into the world of the Vikings will find in these symbols a rich tapestry of religion, cosmology and everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for a historically accurate bangle for your re-enactment outfit, a symbolic amulet for the medieval market, or sturdy everyday jewellery in Viking style – browse through our range and find the perfect piece for your occasion.
Frequently asked questions
Vikings wore brooches, bracelets, rings, pendants, earrings and hairpins. Thor’s hammer pendants (Mjölnir) were particularly popular as a religious symbol, as were silver bracelets, which also served as a form of currency (silver coins). The materials used were primarily bronze, silver and bone.
During the Viking Age, Thor’s hammer (Mjölnir) was both a religious symbol and a protective amulet – comparable to the cross in Christianity. Wearing it as a pendant was a public declaration of one’s adherence to the Norse religion and placed oneself under the protection of Thor, the god of thunder. Archaeological finds from across the entire Viking Age region attest to the widespread use of this symbol.
Among the best-known Norse lucky charms are Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer) as a protective amulet, the Vegvísir as a signpost runic symbol, and Yggdrasil pendants as a symbol of the world order. Animal amulets featuring wolves, ravens and dragons were also regarded as protective and empowering. The Valknut is closely associated with Odin and the transition between life and death.
In the Middle Ages and the Viking Age, bronze and brass were the most common materials, as they are easy to cast and develop a characteristic patina. Silver was particularly popular with the Vikings and was sometimes remelted from coin silver. Bone and antler were used for pins, beads and simpler pendants – well documented by finds from Scandinavia, such as those from Trondheim.
For a harmonious re-enactment outfit, we recommend combining brooches as garment fastenings, a bronze or silver arm ring, and a matching pendant on a simple leather cord necklace. Hairpins or beard beads complete the look. Make sure that jewellery and clothing match the same era – Borre-style earrings, for example, belong to the 9th/10th century and go well with corresponding Viking clothing made of wool and linen.