Viking gold jewelry will shine in New York auction, Aug. 25

Viking coil ring, est. $350-$450

NEW YORK – Though the notion is not complete and utter bunk, Vikings generally didn’t wear helmets with horns on them. They did wear jewelry, however, and their jewelry is remarkably fine and sophisticated for a group of people (not a nation – there’s no such place as Vikland) from medieval Scandinavia who made their mark on history through piracy and raiding. The beauty and the craftsmanship of Viking jewelry belies the violence and cruelty of those who first donned them.

On August 25, starting at 2 pm Eastern time, Jasper52 will stage an 132-lot sale that showcases Viking, Ancient, & Medieval Jewelry. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

This time around, all the jewelry highlights feature gold, take the form of rings, and trace to Viking or Scandinavian origin. First and foremost among them is a gilt bronze ring in a handsome coil shape, dating to sometime between 850 and 1050 and carrying an estimate of $350-$450. Made for a larger hand – the ring is size 11 1/4 – it is described as having “Exceptional preservation with the gold surface renewed.”

Viking ring featuring a spread-winged bird, est. $500-$600

Also of note is another Viking or Scandinavian ring fashioned in the same size and estimated at $500-$600. It dates to circa 900-1400 and features an oval bezel with the figure of a spread-winged eagle or other noble bird. A pair of six-pointed stars decorate the shoulders of the ring, which has had its 24K gold surface professionally refurbished.

Viking shield ring, est. $2,500-$3,500

The most interesting of the three might also seem the least impressive at first glance. It, too, was designed for a larger hand with fingers that suit size 11 1/4. The oval-shaped piece decorated with trios of nubs in high relief resembles a Viking shield, making it a very rare Viking jewelry form indeed. Professionally refurbished, with its 24K gold surface restored, it carries an estimate of $2,500-$3,500.

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