AD 900-1100. Viking Age. An elegant necklace comprised of carnelian beads of various shapes (spheres, cylinders and barrels) and small silver pendants featuring engraved and applied decoration. The centrepiece of the necklace is a larger bell-shaped plate pendant with scalloped edges, a border of applied baubles and lightly engraved geometric motif, possibly intended to represent a tree. The era known as the Viking age lasted for more than 300 years, from the late 8th century to the late 11th century. The history of the Vikings is closely linked to their role as masters of the sea. They were feared as fierce and ruthless raiders, but were also traders and skilled craftsmen, as this beautiful piece attests. Excellent condition; professionally restrung; wearable.Size: L:295mm / W:212mm ; 44.3g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.