Runes, Rings and the Spirit of Orkney for Christmas
There’s a special kind of magic around jewellery that carries a story, something ancient, symbolic and deeply personal. At Aurora, our designs are inspired by the landscape, and the history and the legacy of those who shaped the land long before us. Two of our most cherished creations, the Runic Ring and the Ring of Brodgar Ring, truly captures this connection between past and present.
The Runic Ring
When you slip on our Runic Ring, you wear a message whispered to its wearer. Around its band runs a delicate runic inscription that reads “Health and Happiness”.
During the time when Norse settlers visited and then made the islands their home, runes were their form of writing. But they also carried spiritual and protective power. This script, known as the Younger Futhark, was carved for good fortune or blessings for loved ones. To engrave the words “Health and Happiness” in runes is a such meaningful wish to the wearer of the jewellery.
Our jeweller, master craftsman Steven Cooper carefully recreates these ancient runic forms, ensuring that every line is faithful to the symbols our Viking ancestors once carved into stone. The result is a timeless piece in which history meets modern craftsmanship. Whether gifted to a loved one or yourself as a personal talisman, the Runic Ring carries a blessing meant to endure, as radiant as the gold in which it’s inscribed.
The Ring of Brodgar Ring
If the Runic Ring celebrates words carved in stone, our Ring of Brodgar Ring celebrates the stones themselves. Inspired by Orkney’s famous stone circle, one of Europe’s greatest prehistoric monuments, this design pays homage to the skill and spiritual depth of the island’s earliest inhabitants. Standing tall on a windswept promontory between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, the original stone circle dates back more than 4,000 years and remains a place of pilgrimage and wonder today.
No one knows exactly why the Ring of Brodgar was built. Was it a site for astronomical observation, a ceremonial gathering place or a spiritual centre marking the turning of the seasons, such as the Winter Solstice? Whatever its purpose, it represented a monumental communal effort. Gigantic stones were drawn from across Orkney, painstakingly transported and arranged with extraordinary precision. That sense of devotion and craftsmanship — of people coming together to create something meaningful — lies at the heart of every piece we make at Aurora Jewellery.
Our Ring of Brodgar Ring captures the timeless beauty of this sacred site in miniature form. Each gold “standing stone” honours the delicate variations and textures of the real monument.
Inspired by Our Ancestors, Crafted by Hand
Every piece at Aurora Jewellery is designed and made in Scotland, using traditional methods handed down through generations. This Christmas, surprise someone special with a gift that tells a story as old as history itself.
We offer complimentary gift wrapping, beautifully presented to make your ring ready to give and ready to treasure. We also provide international shipping, perfect for sending Orkney’s magic to loved ones near or far.
To ensure your gift arrives in time for Christmas, please order by 21 December for UK deliveries and 13 December for USA deliveries.