Viking Penannular Brooch with Celtic Interlace
Specifications
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Alloy, antique silver finish |
- For: men & women (adults)
- Antique-silver alloy, open ring with a sliding pin
- Free shipping from 49€ · secure payment
The More It Pulls, The Better It Holds
This Viking fibula is penannular: an interrupted ring, engraved with Celtic interlace along its entire length, crossed by a long pin that pivots freely. You pass the pin through the fabric, rotate it, and the tension of the material locks it against the ring. No springs, no mechanism to break. Find it in our collection of Viking fibulae and brooches.
The same fastening exists in bronze on the Irish fibula.
What Distinguishes This Fibula
Six of the eight models in this category close with a spring pin. Only two use the penannular assembly.
- A fastening that tightens: the pull of the garment locks the pin instead of releasing it. It is the opposite of a classic brooch.
- No mechanical parts: no spring, no hinge, nothing that can wear out.
- Interlace on the entire ring: the engraving runs from one end to the other, including on the two widened terminals.
- A long pin: it easily passes through thick wool or coat fabric.
For a more discreet fastening on thin fabric, see the round pin brooch.
Specifications
- Material: Antiqued silver finish alloy
- Fastening: Penannular ring and movable pin
- Pattern: Engraved interlace
- Worn on: Cape, shawl, wool coat
- Care: Dry cloth, avoid water and perfumes
Did you know?
The penannular fibula is not a Scandinavian invention: it comes from the British Isles, where Irish and Pictish craftsmen were already wearing it in the 8th century. The Hunterston Brooch, found in Scotland, is the most famous example — and it bears a Norse runic inscription on the back, engraved later by a Scandinavian owner named Melbrigða. The object therefore changed hands, and the rune tells of the exchange better than any text.
📖 To learn more: Discover our guide to Viking jewelry.
♦ 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 penannular brooch?
An interrupted ring — that is what the word means — crossed by a long movable pin. You pass the pin through the fabric, turn it, and the tension of the cloth locks it against the ring. No spring, no clasp.
Does it really hold?
Yes, and better than a pin brooch on heavy fabric: the more the cloak pulls, the tighter the fastening grips. That is the very principle of this fastening, used since Antiquity.
Is the pin removable?
It swivels freely around the ring but stays attached: it does not come off and cannot get lost.
Is it suitable for thin fabric?
Less so than for thick wool: the pin is long and wide, and will leave a mark on light fabric. It is a fastening made for broadcloth and wool.
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.
