Jewellery is thought to be one of the oldest forms of art within history, with the presence of rings, bangles and necklaces’ being present in almost all ancient societies, with the European Bronze Age being no different. Burials make up the majority of the material evidence of the period, and metal jewellery is often found in burials of men and women alike. Jewellery allowed the wearer, whether living or deceased, to display their wealth and status, reflecting an increasingly hierarchical society. The versatility of bronze, which was only possible after the discovery of tin, allowed Bronze Age craftsmen to explore new styles and forms in jewellery. The wealthiest burials excavated belonged to warrior princes, and contained exquisitely made bronze swords, spears, and jewellery, alongside those made of gold, potentially suggesting the prestige of bronze equalled that of gold.
To discover more about the Bronze Age, please visit our relevant blog post: Bronze Age Britain.
