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Knowledge
The Anglo-Saxon period in Britain spanned approximately six centuries from 410-1066 AD and is used historically to describe any member of the Germanic peoples who inhabited and ruled territories that are today part of England and Wales. Early Anglo-Saxon religion was based upon pagan beliefs and Germanic mythology, however Christianity gradually spread across England replacing paganism.
Design Periods
The end of Anglo-Saxon England can be attributed to when King Edward died in January 1066, he was succeeded by the last Anglo-Saxon king, Harold II. William, Duke of Normandy, argued he had been promised the throne and defeated Harold II army.
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Influences
Saxon designs are typically energetic with spirals, braided and twisted chevrons, and knots often formed from a single wire of metal tracing an unbroken thread. Geometry, scrolling designs and zoomorphic motifs can all be seen decorating jewellery from this era.
Germanic settlers in England were primarily from north-western Germany and Denmark. In these areas, decorative traditions can trace their origins to the ancient workshops of the late Roman Empire. Much Saxon art and jewellery were also influenced by central Europe, in what is now Germany.
The 7th and 8th centuries are considered to be the most productive periods for Saxon art and design, with Goldsmiths being highly respected and given the freedom to move between the Saxon kingdoms. Gold Working techniques, such as granulation, the application of tiny gold beads to a plain surface by soldering, are regularly seen as a decorative feature on pieces from this era.
What Jewellery was Worn?
The Saxons wore jewellery including brooches, beaded necklaces and bracelets, made from gold, silver, bronze and copper. Both men and women wore jewellery in Saxon times, in many cases to symbolise wealth and status. Necklaces and bracelets were made from glass beads, amber and amethyst, and women of high rank or who were wealthy wore necklaces made from silver or gold.
Often, objects often had practical uses as well. Saxon women wore pieces of jewellery hanging from their waist and intricately carved brooches on their shoulders which fastened their garments together. Men wore large and elaborate belt buckles, although these also had decorative purposes.
Uncovering Saxon Jewellery
Many Saxon pieces have been unearthed as people were often buried with objects that were important to them during their lives, perhaps because the Saxons thought the dead would need them on their journey to another life, or when they got there.
Some of the finest examples of Anglo-Saxon jewellery were found in the burial site at Sutton Hoo in East Anglia, of which many of the items are on display in the British museum. Excavations revealed a ship, weapons, an impressive helmet made of iron and decorated with bronze, household items and, of course, beautiful jewellery.
The discovery of a remarkable Saxon Ring at the burial site of Sutton Hoo in East Anglia highlights the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance of Anglo-Saxon jewellery during this historical period.
Saxon Jewellery at Berganza
The appeal of early European jewellery from these cultures is second to none. Very little jewellery was made and so few of those pieces survive intact that every item viewable in glass cabinets at the most prestigious museums – and in our Hatton Garden showroom- fire the imagination. Our entire collection of exceptional early European treasures can be viewed online or by visiting us, it would be a privilege to show you in person.
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