Buried at the beginning of the 10th century in Dumfries and Galloway, the Galloway Hoard lay undisturbed for a thousand years before being unearthed by a metal detectorist in September 2014.
This incredible discovery comprises more than 100 objects, including a rich Viking Age hoard of silver jewellery and ingots. It also contains an unparalleled range of precious metal and jewelled items, including a massive Pectoral cross pendant in silver which I based this pendant on. The original piece has gilding and Niello but we are unable to replicate these techniques in our workshop at this time so instead our piece is just solid sterling silver with hallmarking on the reverse and a deep patina to bring out the details. please note that we are offering a silver version and a bronze version, and due to the size of the piece in silver, prices do vary greatly.
The cross is a single piece cast, with the loop soldered onto the top and a broken rod riveted into the centre like on the original, however we are open to the idea of creating a custom cabochon with setting or other object in the centre. Please message before purchase if you would like to discuss this central fitting!
Our cross is 7cm tall unlike the original, though we do have a life size version here!
Please note, you are buying a handmade piece of jewellery and we will not always have it in stock and I may require some time to make it! If you want this in other materials such as gold please email me for a quote at caledonianforge@gmail.com We are always open to alter and change any of our pieces to suit your tastes. In the listing the piece might look darker than the finished piece. We artificially darken the details on this cross to match the niello pattern on the original but If you'd prefer us not darken it so it will be shiny silver then please let us know and we will happily do this for you.
This has been cast in high quality by Jewellery Casting Scotland and finished with a mixture of power tools and traditional hand tools like files and saws. Comes with a free black cotton cord. We also have a separate listing with silver chains here if you desire.
All our packaging is 100% paper. No plastic at all.
Due to the weight of this piece in any solid (not plated) precious metal by law it must be hallmarked. This will take roughly an additional 2-4 weeks. we normally use large hallmarks that stand out, always on the reverse of one sided pendants, the side of double sided pendants or the inside of rings or bracelets. If you would like them to be more subtle please let us know