At the center of this necklace is a rare Viking-period bronze pendant, attributed to Finland or northwestern Russia and dating to approximately 700–900 AD. Its paired horse heads rise above a richly patterned openwork body, while a fringe of articulated lozenge-shaped pendants, often called “duck feet,” created movement and sound. 

The pendant’s original use was likely both ornamental and performative: its suspended elements would have chimed with the wearer’s movement, creating an audible presence appropriate to display, ceremony, or ritual. Rebecca preserves the bronze intact, setting a 2.06 carat unheated pink sapphire within the central field. Suspended from a grey suede cord, the jewel brings an early medieval object of protection, movement, and status into the realm of contemporary high jewelry. 

• Artifact: Viking-era bronze pendant, c. 700-900 AD

• Origin: Finland or northwestern Russia

• Gemstone: 2.06 Carat Unheated Pink Sapphire (GIA)

• Setting: 18k yellow gold

• Museum Examples: British Museum, British Museum