Viking Twisted Bangle

A Viking twisted bangle reproduced from a County Durham arm-ring, with the substantial rope-like form of the original individually hand cast in Leeds.

Crafted for the Present:

• Museum-Quality Historical Reproduction: An exact 1:1 historical reproduction cast from the original British find, preserving its surviving twisted form and surface detail.
• Individually Hand-Cast in Leeds: Individually hand-cast and finished at our Leeds Corn Exchange workshop.
• Approved and Hallmarked: Approved and hallmarked by the London Assay Office in the precious metal selected.

The History of the Find:

Period: 9th–11th Century AD (Viking Age)

Find Location: County Durham, UK

Style: Heavy twisted-rod penannular bangle

Significance of the Design:

In Viking society arm-rings were far more than simple decoration. They could display wealth and loyalty, be presented as gifts and, in some traditions, were associated with oath-taking and bonds between leaders and followers. Not every surviving arm-ring can be identified as an “oath ring”, but the connection between rings, allegiance and status is deeply rooted in the Viking world.

Precious-metal arm-rings also had a practical value. Archaeological finds include rings deliberately cut into hacksilver, showing that jewellery could become portable wealth when needed. The twisted-rod construction is a classic Norse form, creating a powerful rhythmic surface that catches the light and gives the bangle a sense of movement. Its substantial weight would have made it an impressive object on the arm.

The Find:

Discovered by a metal detectorist in County Durham, the original artefact carries the marks of a thousand years in the ground. Parts of the twisted form have separated and the terminals are heavily worn, yet the strength of the original workmanship is still immediately visible. Those irregularities are retained in the reproduction as part of the history of the piece.

Fit and Sizing:

This bangle reproduces the fixed dimensions of the original historical find. It is supplied in one size and cannot be resized. Please contact the workshop before ordering if you are unsure whether it will fit.

Weight by Metal (approximate):

• Sterling Silver (925): 47.0g
• 9ct Gold: 50.0g

Explore the design

Read about Viking rings and twisted arm-rings and browse our Viking jewellery. See how each reproduction is individually hand cast in Leeds.