Silver Finger Ring
Throughout the Norse world, displays of wealth through dress and jewelry was customary. Precious metals such as gold and silver were worn in forms ranging from hair pins, to rings, to charms and keys attached to belts. Decorative belt straps were also demonstrations of wealth. These displays were important to the individual as it publically displayed their place in the social hierarchy that was present throughout Scandinavian communities. Rings and necklaces were often given to wives by their husbands to show off the husband’s wealth[2]. This ring was most likely worn by a female for this purpose.
[1] Smith, S (2015) SUSS-6F8D1D: A EARLY MEDIEVAL FINGER RING Web page available at: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/723350
[2] Angus A. Somerville and Andrew R. McDonald. “A Muslim Diplomat Meets Rus Merchants on Volga River.” In The Viking Age. Edited by Angus Somerville and Andrew McDonald, 286-288. Toronto: University of Toronto Press Incorporated, 2014.