Viking Bead No. P8 / Hole 3 mm

Replica of a Viking bead with granulation decoration.

This replica of a Viking-era bead is modelled on a historical find dating from the 9th–10th centuries.

In the case of granulated beads from the Viking Age, small beads and fine wires were soldered onto the bead in intricate, delicate work.
Our replica, however, is cast entirely in one piece, whilst still magnificently capturing the filigree design.

Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.2 cm. Hole diameter 3 mm.

This Viking jewellery 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 goldsmiths were masters at crafting small works of art using the simplest of means.
A repoussé or cast base form made of thin silver sheet was used as the foundation for the granulation decoration; the granulated decorative elements were then soldered onto this, with the solder leaving no traces visible to the naked eye, so that it appeared as though the delicate granulations were virtually floating above the surface.
Whilst granulation was initially common on disc-shaped gold pendants in the 8th century, it became increasingly prevalent on spherical gold beads and gold bracteates in the 9th century. By the 11th century, gold granulation had become increasingly widespread.