Nothing shows their craftsmanship and versatility more than the art of their jewellery.
Jewellery was not only used as an adornment but was usually functional as well - brooches were used for fastening tunics and dresses at the throat, and some of the larger items were used for fastening cloaks. These are known as penannular brooches, due to their circular shape, and som of the Irish ones found could have a pin anything up to 18 inches long. The Vikings loved bright ornaments, and valued silver more than gold. Although silver was favoured, other metals would be used, not least of which was gold, but pewter and bronze would be utilised as they were both easy to cast or carve into shapes. An Arab traveller by the name of Ibn Fadhlan met some Russian Viking women in the 10th century, and described them as wearing ornaments of silver and gold around their necks.