Oval Viking Brooch with Beaded Border
Specifications
| Color | Bronze |
| Material | Alloy, bronze finish |
- For: men & women (adults)
- Bronze-tone alloy, openwork oval, pin on the back
- Free shipping from 49€ · secure payment
Two Beaded Borders Around a Knot
This oval Viking fibula is made of bronze: in the center, two openwork intertwined beasts; all around, a double row of raised beads frames the motif. The piece is flat, with a straight pin and clasp on the back. Find it in our collection of Viking fibulae and brooches.
For a domed oval rather than a flat one, see the domed rosette oval fibula.
What Sets This Fibula Apart
The bronze and the border make all the difference on an otherwise classic shape.
- The only warm-toned oval: our other ovals are silver-colored; this one matches brown and green wools.
- Double beaded border: two rows of beads rather than a simple rim, adding relief to the edge.
- Openwork: the fabric is visible through the central knot.
- Flat: it is suitable for fabrics that our domed pieces might not support.
To stay in bronze on a round shape, the Irish penannular fibula shares this hue.
Specifications
- Material: Alloy, bronze finish
- Shape: Flat oval, openwork
- Fastening: Straight pin with clasp on the back
- Decor: Two intertwined beasts, double beaded border
- Worn on: Cape, shawl, wool coat
- Maintenance: Dry cloth, avoid water and perfume
Did you know?
The beaded border is not just an ornament: it is the mark of a technique. Originally, the goldsmith would solder tiny metal beads one by one around the perimeter—this is granulation, an Etruscan process adopted throughout the ancient and medieval world, which required heating without melting. The difficulty was such that the technique was lost in Europe and only rediscovered in the 20th century by analyzing ancient pieces. On Scandinavian fibulae, true granulation very early on existed alongside its cast imitation—exactly as it is here.
📖 To learn more: Discover our article on the Viking blacksmith.
♦ Complete Your Viking Collection
Discover other pieces you might like:
Brooch or hair barrette: which one to choose?
| Type | Where it is worn | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Garment brooch (fibula) this product | On a cloak, a shawl, a coat or a jacket lapel. | These are the largest pieces in the range. Six close with a straight pin and a clasp; two are penannular: an open ring locked by the tension of the fabric, with no spring to wear out. |
| Barrette with a hair stick | In a bun, a braid or a half-up ponytail. | Two pieces: the plate sits on the hair, the stick goes through the lock and holds everything in place. You need enough hair for the stick to go through: with hair shorter than shoulder length, the hold becomes uncertain. |
| Light barrette or clip | On medium-length hair, including fine hair. | The filigree models have a small chain that holds the stick; the flat barrettes close with a clip and need no minimum length. These are the most discreet pieces and the easiest to put in. |
| Medallion barrette | Flat on a half-up ponytail or a low bun. | A solid disc that sits on the gathered lock instead of going through it. It is the shape that needs the least hair length, and the only one that shows a scene rather than an ornament. |
How to wear it
There is no size to choose. A brooch (fibula) is fastened to the fabric, not to the body: the only question is the cloth.
The six straight-pin models are worn like a classic brooch: push the pin through the fabric and close the clasp. They suit a jacket lapel, a shawl or a thick scarf.
The two penannular models (the open ring crossed by a long pin) work differently: pass the pin through the cloth, turn it a quarter turn, and the tension of the garment locks it against the ring. The more the cloak pulls, the tighter it holds. It is the most secure fastening on heavy wool, and the one with no mechanical part to break.
On thin fabric, any pin leaves a mark. These pieces are made for broadcloth, wool and thick linen, not for silk or fine knits.
Care: dry cloth. Avoid water, perfume and silver polish, which remove the patina lodged in the hollows: it is what gives the design all its relief.
What is a beaded border?
A row of small raised beads running around the piece. Here there are two, an inner one and an outer one, framing the openwork motif. They catch the light along the edge, where a smooth border would reflect it flat.
Is it domed like the excavated brooches?
No, this one is flat with openwork. Our domed oval brooch with a rosette is closer to the type found in graves, with its shell-shaped top.
Is it available in silver-tone?
No, this model only comes in bronze. That is actually what sets it apart: it is the only warm-toned oval brooch in our range.
What does the central motif represent?
Two intertwined beasts, head to tail, whose ribbon-like bodies cross in the center. It is the most common scheme in Scandinavian animal ornament used to fill a surface.
Delivery — Allow 7 to 15 business days for mainland France, 10 to 20 days for the European Union. Free delivery on orders over €49.
Delivery guarantee — If your parcel is not delivered within 60 business days, we will provide an immediate reshipment or a full refund.
14-day returns — You have 14 calendar days from receipt to request an exchange or refund. The item must be returned within this period, in its original packaging.
Legal guarantees — All our products are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity and the guarantee against hidden defects, in accordance with the Consumer Code and the Civil Code.
