NEW YORK – Medieval jewelry, including Viking items, comprise a Jasper52 online auction to be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 12. These striking pieces date back to the 8th-15th centuries when the Vikings roamed both sea and land. Warriors’ rings, sorcerers’ amulets and pendants hold symbolic meaning in their shapes, often embodying the great strength of Vikings who bore them. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Among the highlights of this collection is a Viking warrior’s ring (above), circa 866-1067. The size 10 ring of refurbished gilt bronze has a rounded face cut with an XOX pattern to the top. Professionally refurbished with the gold surface restored. Gift boxed with certification of authenticity (estimate: $200-$250).
The design of a medieval women’s pendant (below), probably Scandinavian, is clearly influenced by the Viking taste. Formed as a crescent suspended by a central projection, with nine nubs along its back, it is closely adapted from the Viking lunar pendants of a century earlier. The transition to Christianity came later in Scandinavia and the traditional religion carried on blended with Christian belief. This pendant is an amulet of that blended religion.
A medieval women’s ring in the auction has a high faceted bezel flanked by circular expansions surrounding small enamel inlays. The bezel and matching inlay, all three teal in color, are original and made by firing the ring and melting ground colored glass into the form as it appears now.
A pendant in the auction, in an abstracted cross form with a cherub face to the top, is from the period of the Spanish Inquisition.
In refurbished silver bronze, a Romano-Egyptian amulet dates to circa A.D. 100-300 and was meant to promote an abundant harvest. Egyptian agriculture was dependent on the annual flood of the Nile which brought water and nutrients to the desert soil.
Carved pieces of lapis lazuli, which were originally part of elaborate necklace for an ancient Egyptian woman of the nobility, are now earrings with modern silver mounts. There would have been a number of similar amulets, perhaps as many as 20 incorporated in the necklace.
Items offered in the auction have been professionally refurbished with the gold or silver overlay restored. The items are gift boxed and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
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