Early Anglo-Saxon rings from the 5th or 6th century are often no more than a simple sheet-metal band with stamped geometric ornament, or a twisted circlet of wire, usually in silver or copper-alloy. Occasional imitations of Roman and Byzantine forms are known from the later 6th century, such as the intaglio from the Snape (Suffolk) high-status cemetery. Gold rings are a rarity in this period.

By the later 7th century, forms with bezels became much more common in sheet metal, while wire-rings were often decorated with a complex knot. In the Viking age, heavier rings made from thick silver wire were in use. From the 10th century, cast copper-alloy, silver and gold rings are known, often decorated in contemporary styles drawn from manuscript art. Intact examples of finger-rings, especially from the earlier Anglo-Saxon period, are scarce. References: Filmer-Sankey, W. and Pestell, T. Snape Anglo-Saxon Cemetery: Excavations and Surveys 1824-1992, East Anglian Archaeology Volume 95, Suffolk County Council, 2002 Smith, R.A. British Museum Guide to Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, Trustees of the British Museum, 1923 Backhouse, J. Turner, D.H. & Webster, L. The Golden Age of Anglo-Saxon Art 966-1066, London, 1984

Customers and site-visitors may have noticed that the Anglo-Saxon site pages have been revised. As part of our ongoing programme of improving the quality and reliability of our site, all of the ‘Saxon’ pages have been amended in the light of further detailed research. We aim to roll this out across the rest of the site in due course. Please check back for updates.