A jewel that is different from the rest; An 800-year-old discovery from the heart of the soil

This ring features an oval shaped dark blue gem that is delicately surrounded by gold tapestry. Thin gold wires are spun in a spiral shape and decorated with tiny gold beads. Although its blue gem is probably colored glass and not a ruby, colored glass was also symbolic at the time and was believed to have divine protection.

Accurate dating of soil layers using a fir branch has determined the date of this work between 546 and 648 solar years (1167 to 1269 AD). This time period places the Ring directly in the heart of the Middle Ages. The design style of the spirals is reminiscent of patterns common in Norway and England, while the tapestry technique shows the influence of Byzantine art.

It is very rare to find such a work in Norway. In the national archaeological database of this country, only 220 gold rings have been registered, of which only 63 belong to the Middle Ages. The last time such a discovery occurred in Tensberg was 15 years ago, which indicates the high scientific and historical value of this ring for understanding the art of goldsmithing and trade at that time.

Cover photo source: NIKU Photographer: Unknown