This is a hand-made, hand-finished, exact copy of the original cross found near Viking retailer settlements on Lake Ladoga.

thanks for visiting my shop !

I've collected Viking antiquities for years, and have decided to cast some of my favorite pieces to share. So many of the new, daily wear 'Viking' articles are too fancy, too ornate, and look more like cos-play jewelry, than Viking artifacts.

But that's not the case with my pieces for sale, because they're exact copies, each one cast and finished one at a time, from the originals. In each photo, the new piece is displayed next to the 1,000 year old original: hard to tell which is which, isn't it ? I finish each with various chemicals to achieve the aged look, without damaging the item itself. Each item is cast in .960 Silver: I use Argentium, instead of the copper commonly used in Sterling Silver, resulting in a higher silver content, and it eliminates reaction for those whose skin reacts to copper.

The original cross amulet is silver, probably poured in a soapstone mold. It was then worked with a tool to outline the edges and small linear marks within the cross itself. This particular cross was found near the fresh-water Lake Ladoga, in Russia, east of Finland and across the Baltic from Sweden. Large Viking settlements have been found on and near the lake.

Several soapstone molds have been found in Scandinavia, and in Russia, with molds for pouring both a Christian Cross, and Thor's Hammer. This one might have been taken on a raid, lost by a monk, or poured as part of a trade, as Christian and Pagan religions began to mix throughout the region.

I love each of these pieces, and I want you to be happy with your very unique item, too. I f you're not retailer, please contact me within 30 days to arrange a return & refund.

Each piece comes with black or brown leather-wrapped cord, color and length per request. I can finish each piece to a much darker finish than shown, or to a very high polish, per request.

Any questions, please let me know, and thanks again.