You love the look of Viking pendants but aren’t sure how to find an authentic replica that captures the spirit of the Norse warriors. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a high-quality Viking pendant necklace. Whether you’re looking to connect with your Scandinavian roots or just love the bold, dramatic style of Viking culture, an authentic pendant necklace lets you tap into the strength and courage of the ancient Norsemen. 

What is a Viking Pendant Necklace?

A Viking pendant necklace is an iconic symbol of the legendary Norse seafarers. But what exactly is a Viking pendant? Simply put, it’s an amulet worn on a chain around the neck for symbolic meaning.

Viking pendants came in many forms, from familiar Mjolnir hammers to Valknut triskeles. Some were meant to evoke power and strength, like the hammer of the thunder god Thor. Others, like the helm of awe, were thought to offer protection. Many featured interlacing knotwork or runic symbols.

A Viking pendant necklace lets you show your love of Norse mythology and honor the bold explorers of the North in a subtle yet meaningful way. 

Common Materials Used in Authentic Viking Pendant Necklaces

Authentic Viking pendant necklaces were made from materials the Norse had access to, like bronze, silver, gold, and gemstones.

• Bronze was commonly used and affordable. Pendants featured engraved geometric patterns, animals, or runes. Bronze gives pendants an antiqued, rustic look.
• Silver was more valuable and pendants were intricately decorated. Silver remains untarnished over time and is still prized today for its beauty and symbolism.
• Gold was reserved for the wealthy and pendants featured granulation, filigree, and gemstones. Gold signifies the sun and was believed to have magical protective powers.
• Gemstones like carnelian, amber, and quartz were valued for their mystical properties. Red carnelian signifies courage, amber brings good luck, and clear quartz amplifies energy.

Authentic Viking pendant necklaces are crafted using historically accurate materials and designs. So when looking to buy, seek out artisans who hand-make pendants using traditional metalworking techniques and natural gemstones for an authentic piece of Viking history and culture. 

Popular Viking Pendant Symbols and Their Meanings 

Below is a description of some well-known Viking pendant symbols.

The Valknut: A Powerful Viking Symbol

The Valknut, or “knot of the slain,” are three interlocking triangles thought to represent the trinity of Norse mythology. The Valknut pendant symbolizes life, death, and rebirth. It was commonly engraved on burial artifacts and may have represented the transition between life and death.

Due to its connection with death in battle, the Valknut Viking pendant is also viewed as a symbol of courage, bravery, and destiny.

This powerful symbol will remind you of the courage and destiny of the Vikings, as well as the timeless connection between life and death.

The Helm of Awe: A Magical Viking Symbol

The Helm of Awe is one of the most iconic Viking pendant symbols, representing protection, power, and strength. This magical stave was used by Viking warriors to instill fear in their enemies and protect themselves in battle.

Today, the Helm of Awe continues to be a popular motif in Viking-inspired jewelry and art. As a pendant necklace, it symbolizes:

• Power and strength
• Protection from harm
• Victory and success
• Connection to Norse Mythology

An iconic symbol of strength and power, it’s the perfect pendant for any modern-day Viking warrior.

Mjolnir: The Mighty Thor’s Hammer Pendant

The Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer, is one of the most popular Viking pendants. It symbolizes strength, fertility, and protection. According to Norse mythology, Thor use Mjolnir to wield lightning and thunder.

When looking for an authentic Mjolnir pendant, look for:

• Asymmetrical hammer shape with a short handle and square head. The hammer should not look unrealistic or cartoonish.
• Made of high-quality materials like sterling silver, bronze, or brass. Avoid cheap pot metal alloys.
• Decorative knotwork, runes, or other Norse symbols are incorporated into the design. Intricate details show the pendant was well-crafted.
• A thick sturdy chain, leather, or cord the pendant hangs. The pendant should have some weight and substance to it.
• Runes or Norse words like “Mjolnir” or “Thor” are engraved on the pendant. Authentic replicas aim for historical accuracy.

The Vegvisir: A Viking Compass Pendant for Guidance

The Vegvisir, or “runic compass,” is thought to provide guidance and protection on long voyages or journeys. It’s a symbolic talisman for not losing one’s way. Some believe the eight arms of the symbol represent the eight cardinal and ordinal directions on the compass.

Wearing a Vegvisir Viking pendant necklace is thought to provide spiritual direction and shield the wearer from harm. This meaningful symbol can inspire feelings of courage in the face of uncertainty or adversity.

The Web of Wyrd: A Complex Viking Pendant Design

The Web of Wyrd pendant is one of the most complex Viking designs, featuring an intricate pattern of woven lines and shapes. At first glance, the pattern may seem random, but each line and shape has meaning according to Norse mythology. For Vikings, the web of wyrd represented fate and destiny. For today’s Vikings, this Viking pendant represents a shared cultural heritage and spiritual connection to the ancient past. 

Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, represents the great ash tree in Norse mythology that supported the nine worlds. The roots and branches are thought to contain all of existence. Yggdrasil pendants symbolize growth, rebirth, wisdom, and an eternal connection between all beings. 

How to Spot a Quality, Handcrafted Viking Pendant Necklace 

High-Quality Materials

A hallmark of an authentic Viking pendant necklace is the use of high-quality materials that were available during the Viking era, such as bronze, silver, gold, or natural stones like amethyst or quartz. Cheaper replicas will use materials like pewter or stainless steel that weren’t used by Vikings. Look for details like:

• Bronze or silver metalwork, often with patina or tarnish
• Gemstones, crystals, or amber beads
• Leather or braided cord necklace, not a metal chain 

Handcrafted Details

Authentic Viking pendants showcase the intricate craftsmanship of skilled artisans. You’ll notice:

• Intricate knotwork, spirals, or animal motifs
• Evidence of hand-tooling, like hammer marks or chisel cuts
• Asymmetrical or imperfect shapes, not mass-produced
• Patina or aging that develops over time with bronze or silver

While machine-made replicas may look similar at first glance, a handcrafted Viking pendant has a rustic, handmade quality that manufactured pieces lack. 

Cultural Symbolism

Many Viking pendants incorporate meaningful symbols from Norse mythology, like Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life, or Thor’s hammer Mjölnir. An authentic Viking pendant necklace may cost more, but its high quality, handcrafted details, and cultural symbolism provide a meaningful connection to history that cheap replicas can’t match. By looking for signs of quality materials, handmade craftsmanship, and Norse-inspired symbolism, you can spot an authentic Viking pendant necklace. 

Where to Buy Authentic Viking Pendant Necklaces Online

Once you know what to look for in an authentic Viking pendant necklace, it’s time to find a reputable retailer.

Gthic

Gthic is the premier online store for high-quality yet affordable Viking jewelry and accessories. Whether you have Norse ancestry or are just fascinated by Viking mythology and symbolism, Gthic’s Viking pendants provide a simple, elegant way to celebrate this captivating era of history. Each pendant comes with a velvet pouch and certificate of authenticity, making gthic.com the perfect place to find a meaningful gift for the Viking enthusiast in your life – or simply treat yourself! Discover your inner Viking today!

Etsy

At Etsy, you’ll find many independent jewelry makers and craftsmen selling high-quality replica Viking pendants and necklaces. Look for sellers that use authentic materials and designs based on archaeological evidence. 

Grimfrost

Grimfrost is an Icelandic company that creates Viking-inspired jewelry, clothing, decor, and more using traditional Viking designs and crafting methods. Their pendants are handmade from sterling silver and natural gemstones. While on the higher end of pricing, their pieces are stunning works of art that will make a bold statement. They ship worldwide and frequently run sales and promotions.

Vikings of Bjornstad

This Viking-focused retailer offers a wide range of jewelry, clothing, weaponry, and home goods inspired by the Viking era. They sell bronze, silver, and stainless steel Viking pendants at affordable prices. Designs are based on artifacts found throughout Scandinavia during the Viking Age. 

Ancient Viking

Ancient Viking specializes in Viking-era-inspired jewelry and accessories. They offer an extensive selection of Viking pendants in bronze, sterling silver, and stainless steel. Pendant designs include popular Viking symbols like the Vegvisir, Aegishjalmur, and Valknut. With competitive prices and worldwide shipping, Ancient Viking is a one-stop shop for Viking pendant necklaces.

Conclusion

So now you’re armed with the knowledge to find an authentic-looking Viking pendant necklace. Look for handcrafted pieces featuring historically accurate designs and high-quality materials like sterling silver. Wear your new pendant with pride, knowing you’re celebrating a fascinating era of Scandinavian culture. May the strength and courage of your Viking ancestors inspire you in your daily life. Skål!