Viking Bead No. W2 / Hole 5 mm

Barrel-shaped Viking bead with granulation decoration.

Detailed Viking bead replica in barrel-shape, modelled on a historical find from the 9th–10th centuries AD:

Due to its small size, this Viking bead is ideal as a decorative spacer between two larger bronze or glass beads. However, thanks to its large diameter, this Viking bead is also well suited for use as a beard bead.

In the case of Viking granulated beads, small spheres and fine wires were soldered onto the bead in intricate, delicate work.
Our Viking bead, on the other hand, is cast entirely in one piece, whilst still beautifully showcasing the filigree design.

Dimensions: 0.8 x 0.8 cm. Hole diameter 5 mm.

This Viking bead is available in high-quality bronze, genuine silver-plated or 925 sterling silver.

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During the Viking Age, it was very common to decorate beads for necklaces with an elaborate, filigree granulation design consisting of fine silver wires, strands of beads and spheres; the Viking goldsmiths were skilled at creating veritable works of art using the simplest of means.
A repoussé or cast base made from thin silver sheet was used as the foundation for the granulation decoration; granulated decorative elements were soldered onto this base, with the solder leaving no traces visible to the naked eye, giving the impression that the granulations were almost floating on the surface.