Delicate granulated bead from the early Middle Ages.

This delicate openwork bead from the early Middle Ages was crafted using granulation techniques based on a historical bead.

The original bead was used as a decorative element on a so-called temple ring, which probably originated from a Byzantine workshop or the Black Sea region and dates from the 10th to 13th century.

Link to the original bead...

In the case of granulated beads from the early Middle Ages, filigree balls and wires were soldered onto the beads or formed directly from them into a ball. Our replica, on the other hand, is cast in one piece, but the filigree design is still clearly visible.

Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.7 cm. Hole diameter 4 mm.

You can purchase the bead in high-quality bronze or genuine silver-plated.
Alternatively, you can also order it in 925 sterling silver (please note delivery time).

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In the early Middle Ages, it was common practice to decorate beads with elaborate filigree granulations in the form of silver wires, bead strings and balls, with medieval goldsmiths excelling at creating veritable works of art using the simplest of methods.

The granulation decoration of medieval beads was based either on a hammered or cast base form made of thin silver sheet, onto which the granulated decorative elements were soldered directly, or the granules themselves formed the body of the bead, creating a filigree overall structure.

In the 8th century, granulation was initially only common in disc-shaped gold pendants, but in the 9th century, spherical gold beads and gold bracteates were also increasingly produced using granulation techniques. Granulated jewellery such as pendants, brooches and beads were widespread in the early Middle Ages from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia.