Viking Age Silver Pendant with Crystal Magnifier

Each composed of a decoratively twisted upper hoop, bulbous collars and a large central bulb with projecting cones and granules. 30 grams total, 55-57 mm



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

This style of earring was typical among Slavic women in the 8th-12th centuries, an imitation of Eastern Roman models. Examples have been found in Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and with similar decoration in Belarus. Such rings were also worn as part of head-dresses, in which context they are known as ‘temple rings’ because they were worn by women near the temples. They were usually made of base metals, but some silver and gold examples also survive. Different tribes had their own designs, which were often threaded onto a cord, forming part of a head-dress, or woven directly into braids of hair.

Comprising a plaque with two lateral arms, pierced for attachment, and two loops below secured with rivets; the arms with notched and lobed edges, the plaque with central motif of a bearded face with lobes to the temples, pellet eyes, modelled in the half-round. 9.19 grams, 36 mm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection.

Of piriform shape with collar and loop above, scrolled tendril motifs to each face; Baltic. 23.6 grams, 38 mm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an old Munich collection.