Materials: Sterling silver, 0ptical quality crystal quartz , glass beads (handmade), leather cord.
Size: The central Gotland crystal measures around 16mm diameter. Both smaller ones measure 11mm diameter. Leather cord is adjustable and will fit all sizes.
This striking necklace embodies the true Viking spirit! It celebrates ancient beauty based around fierce and contrasting colors of black, red, and white.
The necklace includes THREE sterling silver encased Gotland crystal ball pendants strung alongside traditionally handmade glass beads, which were annealed for durability. The beads represent a diversity of designs, from stripes to dots and zig-zags, and are all replicas from Viking and Iron Age archaeological finds.
The pendants were designed after Gotland crystals, which were discovered in Fröjel (Gotland, Sweden) and the purpose of the original crystals is unknown. Speculations range from help with vision, to navigation, sky viewing, and even starting fires or divination.
What we do know is that optically, the largest of the original crystals are comparable to modern aspheric lenses! So some of them were definitely used for some type of optical purpose - perhaps even in early telescopes.
Please feel free to message me with any questions you may have! The Gotland pendants were made in affiliation with Viking Kristall.
**Want to design your own necklace?? My shop sells individual handcrafted beads of all colors, and shipping will always be combined. Create your own anciently beautiful design!
More about Glass Beads:
Silver shines and gold gleams, but glass was also one of the most valued treasures of the ancient world! Celtic, Scandinavian, and Mediterranean cultures extensively created and traded these colorful accessories with each other.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 B.C., glass became more scarce, and thus in higher in demand and worth more. Shards were painstakingly collected and pillaged so they could be recycled into new beads.
Single beads were buried with Viking warriors next to their weapons, and some were strung around their necks alongside their Mjölnir amulets. And they were special enough to be passed down for generations.
What about colors?
During the Viking Age, the most popular glass bead colors in male graves seemed to be red, green, and white (in that order). They were used for trade, ritual, and as status symbols.
Upon settling Iceland, blue and green glass beads were produced extensively. Even ancient Egyptian glass beads of brilliant blue were worn by Bronze-Age Scandinavians. (And are thought to be created by King Tutankhamun’s jeweler himself!)
Of course, Viking women collected and wore many glass beads of all colors. They adorned their belts with them, wore them in strings as necklaces, or (most commonly) hung them between their turtle brooches.
Embellishments of bead shapes and patterns of contrasting dots, lines, and zig-zags all added to the diversity and beauty of these precious objects. Sometimes the Vikings even added gold and silver foiling!
2-3 weeks
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Request a cancellation within: 1 hours of purchase
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
When ordering with me i collect basic information to accomplish and ship your order such as your name and address that you provide to me.
I do not in any circumstance share any personal information.
Any information needed to complete an order will be saved by etsy for as long as i keep my shop open.
If you have any privacy related questions please feel free to message me at any time.
Fun little fact about us we always wrap up everything we sell like a present so it always feels like your getting a gift in the mail and get to enjoy tearing open the paper and anticipation to see how awesome your new item is.
cheers
lykos
If you are looking for a custom order just message me so we can figure out details!
If your leather is feeling a little dry and stiff one of the best products you can ever apply is mink oil paste or "leather fat", a light coating will soften, protect and even help repel water
If you are looking to buy wholesale i start discounts at 25 items i also help with viking weddings and would be happy to work with you on what ever your looking for.
Oct 4, 2019
Sep 16, 2019
I absolutely love this necklace. Wear it all the time now. Thank you for offering it, glad I took a chance.
Mar 2, 2019
Gorgeous! I really love this necklace. Shipping was very fast.
Nov 10, 2018
This item is an absolutely beautiful piece. The detail in the silver is stunning! I'm very excited to be able to pair this with my apron dress!!