Trefoil Brooch with Borre Style Knotwork

I have copied the neat form of this trefoil from an original Borre style brooch found in Denmark. The smooth knotwork pattern dates it to the mid-9^th - mid-10^th centuries. It was particularly well-made and would have been a treasured brooch for its female owner.

How Viking women came to wear such trefoils is a curious story. The idea for making this type of brooch originated when the Vikings went plundering in the Frankish lands. The Franks wore ornate trefoil fittings on their sword belts, which were eagerly gathered by Vikings. When they returned home they needed to offer exotic treasures to their womenfolk. These flashy tri-lobed fittings – once a pin had been put on the back – made perfect gifts!

The idea caught on, and Viking craftsmen then began to make their own brooches in this unusual shape, using their own individual style of Viking art.

I have made mine with a strong pin suitable for light or medium weight cloth.

Length 42mm  

Weight for Sterling Silver 17g (Weight may vary from piece to piece)