Finger ring of plaited gold

This gold finger ring was found in the peat on the island of Fladda-chùinn near Skye in the Inner Hebrides. Such finger rings appear to have become popular in the 11th century, though few were wealthy enough to possess one.

The ring is made of eight plaited rods which taper towards their ends, linked by a plain lozenge-shaped plate.

The technique of twisting silver rods into neck, arm and finger rings was popular amongst the Scandinavians, producing simple and elegant objects for displaying wealth. Gold was sometimes used, but in Scotland almost always for finger rings.

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