Lock ring
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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A lock ring, also spelled lock-ring, is a late Bronze Age penannular (incomplete ring) hair ornament. Typically in gold, the intricate, decorative jewellery is recognized for its highly skilled workmanship. The name is derived from its suggested use as a hair fastener. Lock rings most likely originated in Ireland in the mid-eighth century B.C. They continued to be manufactured in Ireland, primarily in the River Shannon area into the seventh century B.C. Lock rings from the late Bronze Age have also been found in Great Britain and France.
A lock ring is a hollow, penannular metal ornament with a central opening. The ring consists of a triangular cross-section, closed with a binding-strip.[1] The ring was typically constructed from four pieces: a split metal tube, two gapped triangular shaped face-plates and a circular binding strip. Most lock rings are made in gold, although some rings are crafted in bronze or composite materials. Bronze lock rings are primarily found in France, and were generally manufactured locally.[2] [citation needed]
The face-plates are plain or decorated with concentric lines, hatching or triangles. Many of the face-plates are made from sheet gold, a small number have been made from individual gold wires soldered together. The outer edge of the face-plates are typically held together by a binding strip made of the same material as the face-plate. The diameter of the ornament varies from 18mm to 100mm.[1][3]
