A rare 1,000-year-old Viking gold arm ring, discovered by metal detectorist Ronald Clucas on the Isle of Man, has been unveiled at the Manx Museum's Viking Gallery. The artifact joined the exhibition on May 31, 2025, offering a unique glimpse into the island's rich Norse heritage.
Clucas, a member of the Manx Detectorist Society, unearthed the gold arm ring in the spring of 2025 during his fiftieth year of metal detecting. "It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold, I couldn't really believe it at first!" he exclaimed, according to The Independent.
The arm ring is a rare Viking treasure that offers valuable insights into jewelry craftsmanship from a millennium ago, demonstrating the skills of the goldsmith who designed it, according to The Independent. Crafted by braiding together eight gold rods, the arm ring weighs nearly one ounce (27.3 grams), which is a significant weight for jewelry of its size, as noted in a statement from Manx National Heritage.
"Jewellery items such as this had several functions in the Viking Age both as prized personal possessions and visible displays of wealth. They were easily portable and were also used to cover costs in financial transactions," said Allison Fox, curator for archaeology at Manx National Heritage, according to The Independent.
During the Viking era, there was a dual economy where gold and silver in the form of coins and bullion pieces circulated simultaneously in society. The arm ring itself shows two clear notches: one notch completely cut off one of the ends, and the other divided it almost completely in two parts, indicating it has possibly been used for at least two separate transactions.
The arm ring was found folded in half, measuring about 3.7 centimeters in length, down from its original length of approximately 7.7 centimeters.
Declared treasure by the Isle of Man Deputy Coroner of Inquests, the arm ring is now part of the national collection. Under Isle of Man law, an object can be declared treasure if it contains more than 10% precious metal and dates from more than 300 years ago.
Clucas, who has been metal detecting for five decades, regards the gold bracelet as his greatest find to date. It is the second piece of Viking treasure he has discovered as a member of the Manx Detectorist Society. "Gold generally gives a very low signal on the detector, so you can't really predict what is going to be uncovered," he remarked, noting the challenges of detecting such valuable items.
The discovery has further enhanced the understanding of the Isle of Man's Viking legacy. The island, situated in the Irish Sea between Britain and Ireland, was a Viking trading hub starting in the 800s and later became a settlement. Numerous artifacts from the Viking Age have been found on the Isle of Man, reflecting its role in Norse exploration and trade.
"For reasons we will never know, this fragment of gold arm ring was buried in the ground until discovered," Fox said. "It may have been hidden for safekeeping, could just have been lost, or may even have been buried as an offering to the Viking gods."
The arm ring's addition to the Manx Museum allows both locals and visitors to appreciate this rare piece of history. Entry to the museum is free, with donations welcome to support the institution's activities. The museum's Viking Gallery now houses the artifact alongside other silver and gold treasures from the Viking era, delighting archaeologists and Viking history enthusiasts alike.
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