Gold and Garnet Pendant from Near Caistor

An Early Anglo-Saxon / Early Medieval (7th century) gold pendant set with cabochon-cut gem, probably a garnet. The circular pendant comprises a dark, flat-topped gem set within a gold frame. The frame is composite, made from a sheet gold back-plate to which has been attached an upright gold strip. The suspension loop is formed out of a reeded strip projection with regular ridges, integral to the backplate, the loop is complete and corrugated into four longitudinal grooves and five ridges, which run right along its length down to a pointed end at the back where it is soldered to the backplate. The join between the backplate and collar is covered with three layers of beaded gold wire filigree. The gold strip surrounding the gem has been cut to form an irregular serrated, dog-tooth setting. The back of the pendant is plain with a raised outer border, most likely caused by the form of the gem. There is some damage to the filigree below the suspension loop, some of the dog-tooth seeing are cracked and broken and the suspension loop has minor plough damage.

NOLMS:2024.046

Pendant (Archaeology)

7th century

Early Medieval / Early Anglo-Saxon

Length: 19.86mm
Width: 16.64mm
Depth: 5.84mm
Weight: 3.33g

Grasby (West Lindsey/Lincolnshire)

Near Caistor (Grasby)