A 9th–10th century Viking gold ring, set in a ruby and 18ct gold necklace
This powerful and intimate piece centres around a solid gold Viking ring. Expertly forged from a tapered gold bar into a double-twist form, the ring evokes the tradition of marking two paths wound together with a gold torc — a symbol of loyalty and remembrance in the Norse world.
Once a personal item of deep significance, the ring is accented with a single blood-red ruby for eternal bonds.
Discovered in 1986 at a historically significant site in England, the artefact assays over 22 carat purity, exhibiting a rich buttery hue. A comparable example is held in the British Museum and published in Graham-Campbell, J., 2011, The Cuerdale Hoard and related Viking-Age silver and gold from Britain and Ireland in the British Museum.
Details
Materials: Ancient gold, 18ct gold, ruby cabochon, ruby rondelles
