Viking jewellery accessories
- Available
Viking jewellery accessories include all those small yet historically significant pieces that truly complete a Nordic or early medieval outfit. Whilst Viking necklaces and pendants or Viking bangles and bracelets take centre stage as the main pieces of jewellery, it is the complementary elements – temple rings, chain dividers, beard beads and hair beads – that lend depth and authenticity to the overall look. Particularly in re-enactment and at medieval markets, it is often this attention to detail that distinguishes a well-thought-out appearance from a hastily put-together costume.
What constitutes Viking jewellery accessories?
The term ‘Viking jewellery accessories’ describes complementary jewellery elements that are not worn as standalone centrepieces, but rather complete an outfit or connect existing pieces of jewellery. The typical product groups in this category are:
- Temple rings: Small open metal rings that are incorporated into the hair or attached to headbands
- Chain connectors: Connecting elements that join several strands of chain together
- Beard beads and hair beads: tubular or spherical beads for weaving into beards or hair
- Brooches as accessories: garment fasteners that also serve as jewellery
The difference from a complete piece of jewellery lies in its function: a temple ring is not an earring – it is not pierced through, but hooked into or woven into the hair. A chain divider is not a pendant, but a structural element for more complex chest jewellery arrangements. Those wishing to expand their range will find suitable additions in the related categories: Viking beard jewellery and hair jewellery, Viking brooches, and Viking brooch chains.
Temple rings: history and how to wear them
Temple rings are among the most widespread forms of jewellery from the early Middle Ages – and their use extends far beyond the Nordic world. Archaeological finds attest to their use among the Slavs, Alemanni and Franks from the 6th to the 12th century. This cross-cultural use makes them a versatile accessory: they suit not only the Viking look, but also Slavic, Frankish or general early medieval depictions.
Temple rings were worn in various ways: woven into the hair, attached to a headband, or loosely hung at the side of the hairline so that they adorned the temple. The size significantly influences the visual effect:
- Medium: A subtle accent, ideal for finer hair and more understated looks
- Large: More clearly visible, classic proportions for most outfits
- Extra-large: Expressive, visually reminiscent of richly decorated finds from burial grounds
In terms of materials, brass and bronze offer different looks: brass appears warmer and yellowish-golden, bronze darker and more reddish – historically speaking, bronze is the more authentic choice for the Viking Age, whilst brass represents an affordable and visually attractive alternative.
Care and storage of metal jewellery accessories
Bronze and brass develop a natural patina over time – a darker, increasingly matt coating caused by oxidation. This patina is often desirable in historical jewellery, as it gives the piece an authentic aged effect. Aggressive polishing removes this layer and is generally not recommended for replicas.
In most cases, a dry or slightly damp polishing cloth is sufficient for cleaning. Acidic cleaners – including household products such as vinegar or citric acid – should be avoided, as they can damage the surface and alter the material’s properties. For storage, a dry, preferably airtight container is recommended: moisture significantly accelerates oxidation.
Particular care is required with silver-plated brass items: sulphur compounds in the air cause silver surfaces to tarnish. A special silver polishing cloth is helpful here, as it gently removes the dark tarnish without wearing away the silver layer.
Material comparison: bronze, brass and silver-plated brass
| Material | Appearance | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Dark reddish-gold | Re-enactment | Naturally patinated, historically authentic for the Early Middle Ages and Viking Age |
| Brass | Warm yellowish gold | LARP & Market | Affordable alternative, long tradition of craftsmanship, striking shine |
| Silver-plated brass | Light silvery | LARP & Market | Nordic look without the price of silver, slight tendency to tarnish on contact with air |
For historical re-enactment, bronze is recommended if the portrayal is to be as close as possible to archaeological findings. Brass is ideal for LARP events, market visits and beginners who want to start with an authentic look without delving too deeply into source research. Silver-plated pieces are a wise choice if you wish to replicate the characteristic silver tone of Nordic jewellery finds.
Viking beads: glass, amber and metal
Beads played a special role in the Viking Age: they were a commodity, a status symbol and a protective amulet all at once. Glass beads were imported via extensive trade routes or reproduced locally; amber came mainly from the Baltic Sea region and was a sought-after commodity in Viking-era trade. Metal beads – mostly made of bronze or silver – complemented the collection and also served as decorative fastenings.
The variety of materials used in historically inspired beads today:
- Glass beads: Handcrafted in various colours and patterns, closely modelled on finds from Scandinavian burial grounds
- Amber: Natural resin with a warm, luminous yellow-orange hue; organic and therefore of particular historical value
- Metal beads: Sturdy, mostly for beards and hair – a larger hole diameter is required than for jewellery beads
The key practical difference between beard beads and hair beads lies in the hole size: beard beads require a significantly larger through-hole, as several strands of hair or beard are threaded through. Hair beads are finer and suit individual braided strands. Both can be combined perfectly with medieval hair accessories and beard beads from the shop and worn in bead necklaces, as pendants or woven directly into the hair.
Jewellery accessories for various outfits and occasions
For that first historical touch, a single temple ring or a beard bead is more than enough. A pair of brass temple rings woven into the hair or a bronze bead in the beard – and you’ve already created a fitting look for a visit to a medieval market, without much effort or in-depth background knowledge.
Those who regularly attend events combine temple rings with a matching Viking brooch chain set and a chain distributor for multi-strand chest jewellery. This combination is well-documented historically and can be expanded step by step.
Elaborate bead necklaces based on historically documented bead types from specific archaeological contexts – combined with matching Viking brooches and Viking beard jewellery. Here, the selection is based on archaeological evidence: which bead shapes are documented for the region and time period being portrayed?
Chain dividers and connecting elements in Nordic jewellery
The chain divider is an often overlooked but functionally important element of the Nordic jewellery tradition. Its purpose: to bring together multiple strands of chain, thereby enabling the elaborate chest jewellery arrangements known from grave finds of the 9th and 10th centuries. Such multi-strand neck and chest jewellery is particularly well documented in Scandinavian and Eastern European contexts – beads, pendants and brooches were combined and structured by central connecting elements.
From a practical point of view, the chain divider is an affordable way to start creating more complex jewellery ensembles: a single bronze divider, such as the ‘Öland’ type from the range, allows you to transform a simple single chain into a multi-strand ensemble. Combined with Viking chains and pendants, as well as amber or glass beads, a look is quickly created that is historically grounded and visually striking.
Those wishing to delve deeper into the subject of connecting elements and fittings will find further materials for individual jewellery arrangements and DIY projects in the section on rivets, rings and splitters.
Whether you’re looking for individual temple rings as your first historical touch or a fully coordinated set of beads, chain dividers and beard jewellery – here you’ll find the perfect accessories for your Nordic look. Browse through our range and complete your outfit with pieces that are historically accurate and suitable for everyday wear.
Frequently asked questions
Temple rings are open metal rings that were common among the Slavs, Alemanni and Franks in the early Middle Ages. They are not pierced through the skin, but are woven into the hair, attached to a headband or loosely hung at the side of the hairline. Depending on the size – medium, large or extra-large – the visual effect is either more subtle or more striking.
The key difference lies in the size of the hole: beard beads require a larger through-hole, as several strands of beard or hair are threaded through together. Hair beads are finer and are suitable for individual braided strands. When purchasing, you should therefore pay attention to the specified hole size.
For depictions of the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages, bronze is the more historically authentic choice, as this material is well documented archaeologically. Brass is a more affordable alternative with a warmer, yellowish-golden tone and is well suited for LARP and market visits when strict historical accuracy is not a priority.
Bronze and brass develop a natural patina over time, which is often desirable in historical jewellery. A dry or slightly damp polishing cloth is sufficient for cleaning – acidic cleaners should be avoided. Storing items in a dry and, if possible, airtight environment significantly slows down oxidation. Silver-plated pieces can be treated with a special silver polishing cloth if they tarnish.
A chain divider brings together several strands of chain, enabling the multi-strand chest jewellery arrangements known from Scandinavian grave finds of the 9th and 10th centuries. It is an affordable way to transform a simple chain into a historically accurate ensemble of beads, pendants and brooches.