Solid gold objects like these Scandinavian-style arm and finger rings were rare in the Viking period. Silver versions of this kind of jewelry were more common. Silver jewelry was often cut up for use as payment by weight, but gold jewelry was typically left intact. It is possible that many Vikings prized gold objects too highly to destroy them for practical purposes. 800-1000 CE
aperture=f2.8 focal length: 60.0 mm exposure 1/80 sec ISO: 3200