Antiquities » Saxon » Anglo-Saxon Finger Rings

Early Anglo-Saxon rings from the 5th or 6th century are often no more than a simple sheet-metal band with stamped geometric ornament, or a twisted circlet of wire, usually in silver or copper-alloy. Occasional imitations of Roman and Byzantine forms are known from the later 6th century, such as the intaglio from the Snape (Suffolk) high-status cemetery. Gold rings are a rarity in this period.

By the later 7th century, forms with bezels became much more common in sheet metal, while wire-rings were often decorated with a complex knot. In the Viking age, heavier rings made from thick silver wire were in use. From the 10th century, cast copper-alloy, silver and gold rings are known, often decorated in contemporary styles drawn from manuscript art. Intact examples of finger-rings, especially from the earlier Anglo-Saxon period, are scarce. References: Filmer-Sankey, W. and Pestell, T. Snape Anglo-Saxon Cemetery: Excavations and Surveys 1824-1992, East Anglian Archaeology Volume 95, Suffolk County Council, 2002 Smith, R.A. British Museum Guide to Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, Trustees of the British Museum, 1923 Backhouse, J. Turner, D.H. & Webster, L. The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Art 966-1066, London, 1984

Anglo-Saxon ‘Coiled’ Finger Ring 014588

£125.00 GBP