Medieval jewellery
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
- Available
Jewellery in the Middle Ages: Significance, Function and Symbolism
Medieval jewellery was far more than mere adornment. At a glance, it revealed where someone came from, what social class they belonged to and to which faith they were committed. The more elaborate and precious a piece of jewellery, the higher the social standing of its wearer – this applied to nobility as well as to wealthy merchants in the burgeoning cities of the High Middle Ages.
In addition to being a status symbol, jewellery played an important protective role. Necklaces with amulets and pendants were worn to ward off evil spirits, bring good luck or place the wearer under the protection of a particular deity. Rune pendants, depictions of animals and religious symbols combined everyday use with deep spiritual significance.
In the Early Middle Ages, jewellery literally accompanied people to their graves: grave goods were widespread. Among women, brooches, earrings, pearl necklaces and jewellery boxes were frequently found; for men, weapons and everyday tools completed the ensemble. With increasing Christianisation, this practice fell out of favour – instead, cross pendants and saint medallions gained prominence as forms of jewellery that visibly displayed piety.
What jewellery was worn in the Middle Ages?
Brooches & garment fasteners
Brooches were indispensable in the Middle Ages: they fastened coats, capes and shoulder collars together whilst also serving as representative pieces of jewellery. The spectrum ranged from simple ring brooches to richly decorated disc brooches. Viking brooch necklaces – two brooches connected by several decorative chains – are among the most characteristic ensembles of the Viking Age.
Necklaces, pendants & amulets
Necklaces ranged from simple leather cords with a single pendant to multi-strand metal chains with elaborate decorative elements. Pendants featured animal motifs, religious symbols or runes. Viking necklaces and pendants featuring Thor’s hammer, the Valknut or the World Tree are today among the best-known forms of medieval neck jewellery.
Rings, bracelets & earrings
Finger rings were worn by both men and women – plain or featuring engravings and symbols. Bangles and bracelets made of bronze, silver or bone were found in almost all cultures. Earrings and hair ornaments complemented women’s attire, whilst among the Vikings, beard beads and hair ornaments were also typical for men.
Materials: From gold and silver to glass and amber
| Material | Distribution | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Nobility & clergy | Rings, brooches, gemstone settings |
| Silver | Wealthy citizens | Necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooches |
| Bronze | Broad sections of society | Brooches, rings, buckles, fittings |
| Tin-lead alloy | Common people | Pilgrim badges, simple pendants |
| Glass & amber | Vikings | Beads for necklaces and brooch chains |
| Bone, clay, wood | Poor people | Simple rings, pendants, beads |
Particularly noteworthy is the technique of granulation: tiny gold or silver beads were soldered onto a piece of jewellery, creating a sculptural, almost three-dimensional effect through light and shadow. This ancient goldsmithing technique lived on into the Middle Ages and still adorns high-quality historical replicas today. The Vikings also developed the skill of making colourful glass beads and working with amber – amber became one of their most important export goods.
Medieval jewellery by period and cultural sphere
Early Middle Ages & Viking Age
Germanic and Viking jewellery is characterised by rich animal ornamentation, interlaced patterns and rune pendants. Viking brooches and brooch chains are among the most characteristic pieces of this era. Thor’s hammer pendants, Valknut symbols and silver arm rings linked jewellery with Norse mythology. Grave finds from Scandinavia and northern Germany now provide the archaeological models for replicas.
High Middle Ages
With the heyday of chivalry and courtly culture, jewellery became more elaborate and prestigious. The nobility and clergy wore elaborate gemstone settings in gold and silver – rubies, sapphires and emeralds were considered particularly coveted. Ecclesiastical influence shaped the symbolism: cross pendants, saint medallions and religious motifs dominated alongside purely decorative jewellery.
Late Middle Ages
With the rise of the bourgeoisie, new forms of jewellery emerged for broader sections of the population. Pewter badges and pilgrim badges were mass-produced and worn as souvenirs on pilgrimages – they are regarded as an early form of mass production. Simpler forms of jewellery made from pewter and bronze also enabled less wealthy citizens to wear accessories.
Celtic jewellery
Celtic jewellery is characterised by its distinctive style: torques (open neck rings made of twisted metal), spiral patterns and intertwined Celtic knots are the best-known elements. This style strongly influenced early medieval jewellery in Ireland and the British Isles and lives on in modern replicas with great expressiveness.
An overview of jewellery types: What suits which look?
Necklaces and pendants are the most versatile pieces of jewellery for medieval attire. A simple leather cord pendant featuring a rune or animal symbol suits almost any early medieval look, whilst multi-strand metal chains with more elaborate pendants are suitable for courtly or affluent portrayals. Ensure that the choice of material and motif matches the era and cultural context of your costume.
Viking arm rings made of bronze or silver, often featuring animal heads or interlaced patterns at the ends, are among the most popular accessories for early medieval and Viking portrayals. Narrower bracelets made of leather or metal are suitable for late medieval looks. Arm rings can be worn individually or stacked – depending on the status and wealth of the character being portrayed.
Medieval rings range from simple, smooth bands to elaborately engraved pieces featuring symbols, inscriptions or gemstone settings. In the Early Middle Ages, simple designs predominated, whilst in the High and Late Middle Ages, signet rings, noble rings set with gemstones and rings bearing religious symbols were widespread. Viking rings featuring runes or animal motifs are particularly suitable for Nordic-inspired looks.
Brooches serve a dual purpose: they fasten cloaks, coats and shoulder collars whilst also acting as decorative jewellery. Medieval brooches come in the form of simple ring brooches, more elaborate disc brooches or zoomorphic garment fasteners. Those seeking a more authentic costume will find the brooch to be an accessory that is historically documented and combines practical utility with aesthetic appeal.
Medieval earrings for women were particularly common in the Early Middle Ages and the Viking Age – simple eyelet or hook shapes made of bronze and silver, some with pearl or glass pendants. Hair ornaments such as garment pins, barrettes and headbands complement a woman’s attire perfectly. Hair ornament elements are particularly characteristic of Viking and Celtic looks.
Viking beard jewellery and hair accessories for men – beard beads made of metal, bone or horn, as well as hair beads – have become popular through film portrayals and can be easily integrated into a Viking look. Whilst their archaeological evidence is less clear-cut than that of other forms of jewellery, they add visually striking details to a costume that help define the character of a portrayal.
Jewellery for LARP, re-enactment and medieval markets
- Made according to archaeological models
- Clearly attributable to a specific era and cultural region
- Materials historically documented (bronze, silver, tin)
- Brooches, torques and bracelets based on archaeological finds
- A harmonious overall look with authentic attire
- For history festivals, re-enactment camps, museums
- Free combination of styles and eras
- Dragon, elf and fantasy motifs available
- Focus on durability and suitability for everyday use
- Greater creative freedom
- For LARP events, conventions and everyday wear
- Also suitable for weddings, carnival and fancy dress parties
If you’re aiming for a cohesive overall look, there are three things to consider when buying: the material (does it match the desired era?), the cultural context (does a Thor’s hammer go with a Celtic outfit?) and how it combines with other accessories. Medieval clothing looks significantly more authentic with the right jewellery – a single, well-chosen piece can bring an outfit together perfectly. Complete your outfit with a matching belt, a belt pouch or a cloak for a polished overall look.
Whether it’s a single pendant for your next outfit or a complete jewellery set for re-enactment and LARP – browse our range of necklaces, bracelets, brooches, rings and more to find the piece that completes your look.
Frequently asked questions
In the Middle Ages, people wore a wide variety of jewellery: brooches as garment fastenings, finger rings, bracelets, neck rings (torques), necklaces with pendants and amulets, earrings and pearl necklaces. Brooches were particularly common, as they served both a practical and a decorative purpose. In the Viking Age, brooch chains – two connected brooches with hanging decorative chains – were typical women’s jewellery.
The nobility and wealthy citizens wore jewellery made of gold and silver, often set with gemstones such as rubies or sapphires. Bronze was common among broader sections of the population, whilst the common people used tin-lead alloys, bone, clay or wood. The Vikings also worked with glass beads and amber, which became one of their most important export goods.
A brooch is a garment fastener that works much like a safety pin, holding together items of clothing such as cloaks or coats. In the Middle Ages, the brooch was also an important piece of jewellery: the more elaborately decorated it was, the higher the social standing of the wearer. They came in the form of simple ring brooches, richly decorated disc brooches and animal-shaped ornamental brooches in numerous regional variations.
Historical replicas are based on archaeological finds and can be clearly attributed to a specific era and cultural region – they are suitable for re-enactment, historical festivals and museum displays. LARP jewellery, on the other hand, combines elements from different eras and styles, often featuring fantasy motifs such as dragons or elves, and prioritises durability and creative freedom. To achieve a coherent overall look in re-enactment, it is advisable to choose jewellery that matches the era, cultural region and material of the costume.
Medieval necklaces ranged from simple leather cords with a single pendant to multi-strand metal chains made of bronze or silver. Pendants often featured animal ornamentation, religious symbols (crosses, images of saints), runic symbols or apotropaic motifs to ward off evil. During the Viking Age, Thor’s hammer pendants were particularly common, whilst in the High Middle Ages Christian motifs such as cross and saint pendants dominated.