VIKING LAPIS LAZULI AMULET NECKLACE C.800-1050 AD

Hand-crafted gemstone of bottle form with faceted body and compressed neck. Part of a larger necklace of “aegis” form with several tiers strung and cross-bound into a matrix. These amulets were the bottom, suspended to dangle. Found in a group, they are of slightly varying size to be arranged in a graduated row. Comprising the base and container form indicates that they had spiritual significance as amulets. Perhaps they represent bottles of mead that had the power to make whoever drank it a skald (Nordic poet) or scholar with great wisdom. This example is 14.7mm in height (0.58”) suspended from an 18” sterling silver neck chain for modern wear. Gift boxed with certificate of authenticity.