The echoes of our Norse heritage resonate deeply among the Orkney and Shetland islanders. More than just an aesthetic influence, it's a connection to the very spirit of our ancestors- their resilience, their artistry and their dedication to craftsmanship.
The Viking Age of Scotland usually conjures images of magnificent longships full of fearsome warriors sailing across turbulent seas to raid and destroy. While this bad press is not always undeserved, there is another side to the story! There was a sensitive side to the Norsemen, who brought with them a rich tradition of romance, poetry and creativity. They also possessed great artistic and technical skills, not all of which were dedicated to violence and conquest. They produced exquisite jewellery, textiles, runes and woodwork.
Vikings didn’t always sail to places such as Orkney and Shetland to pillage and plunder. Sometimes, they came here to stay, bringing their own families. Or more often, they married among the local lassies. Around 20-30% of us in the Northern Isles carry this legacy in our DNA. Many a poignant Scottish legend features a beautiful local maiden who falls ardently in love with a handsome Viking, proving that this was not always a forced affair. After all, a strong Norseman brought to a marriage not only good prospects. They were known to bathe regularly (unlike the local lads!) and they were vain about combing and styling their tresses, making a well-behaved Norseman something of a catch in early medieval terms. To add to their appeal, Vikings adorned themselves in striking and costly gold jewellery.
Hoards discovered across Scandinavia and Scotland highlight the importance of this precious metal to our ancestors. Beyond its material value, gold carried profound symbolic weight for the Vikings. They called it “Fire of the Sea.” In Norse mythology, Valhalla, the hall of the slain warriors, was roofed with gold, and its radiant, sun-like colour connected it to the solar deities, like Baldr. Odin even had a gold ring called Draupnir that multiplied itself.
Gold was not simply hoarded. It was transformed into objects of great beauty and significance. Viking goldsmiths used traditional techniques such as filigree, granulation and repoussé to create intricate designs on jewellery, weaponry and religious objects. Neck and arm rings, pendants and brooches were favoured among both Viking men and women, often embellished with geometric patterns, knotwork or depictions of animals, both real and fantastical.
Owning and wearing gold jewellery was a clear indication of social status and wealth. Kings, chieftains and prominent warriors adorned themselves with gold to project an image of authority and success. Gold rings, often given as gifts, were more than mere ornaments. They symbolised loyalty and bonds of allegiance and were highly prized for exchanging wedding vows.
We are proud to recreate the techniques of our Norse ancestors, handcrafting each piece of jewellery with the same care, precision and respect. We believe that by honouring their methods, we not only create beautiful jewellery, but also preserve a vital piece of history, a tangible link to the past that adorns the present.
Our Runic Ring in gold features the inscription “Health and Happiness”, or can be engraved with your own names or message, just contact us form more information - and because it’s available in a 4 or 6mm width, is a popular choice for matching wedding bands or anniversary gift- perfect if you're searching for a ring that speaks to your shared Norse ancestry.
Our exclusive gold Key Runic Pendant has ‘Love’ in Old Norse as the bit - there’s no better way to show them they have the key to your heart! Browse these and our other collections of Viking inspired jewellery, each handcrafted in our Orkney studio by our Master Jeweller Steven Cooper.
