Viking Bead No. P2 / Hole 3 mm

Viking-era bead with granulation decoration.

This Viking bead is modelled on a find from the 9th–10th centuries, which was crafted using an intricate granulation technique.

In Viking-era granulated beads, small spheres 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 granulated effect.

Dimensions: 1.2 x 1 cm. Hole diameter 3 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 comprising 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 made from thin silver sheet was used as the foundation for the granulation decoration; the granulated decorative elements were then soldered onto this base, 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.