August 16 will be the last day of the 2023 season that you can visit one of world’s
most fascinating archaeological excavations at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney, named one of the “15 best places to visit in the UK in 2023”.
Archaeologists and hundreds of volunteers have been digging at this 5,000-year-
old Neolithic site since 2004, and 2024 is set to be the last year of active
excavations. But the research will now move into the exciting analysis phase, in
which all of the material recovered from the site, such as pottery, stone tools and
bones will be examined and interpreted.
So far, archaeologists have uncovered a three-hectare complex of huge stone
buildings dating to around 3000 BCE. The Ness of Brodgar site has
revolutionised our understanding of the culture and beliefs of our prehistoric
Orkney ancestors.
As one of Europe’s most important excavations, the Ness of Brodgar project has
inspired feature articles and lectures worldwide, but closer to home, artists and
makers on Orkney are taking their own inspiration from these ancient stones
and the work being done today to uncover their meanings.
Jeanne Bouza Rose paints in Stromness, Orkney, and she is an artist in residence at the excavation. Working on site, she captures everything from the diggers in action, to the features that they uncover, to the iconic standing stones. Her recent solo exhibition, Over the Edge: Paint and Canvas with Bucket and Trowel highlighted her work painted at the Ness of Brodgar. You can view the exhibition online HERE.
Our own master jewellery maker Stephen Cooper, a native Orcadian, also finds
particular inspiration from the archaeological wonders of the islands- after all,
his ancestors probably helped build them!
Our Ring of Brodgar jewellery collection captures the majestic beauty of this
mysterious stone circle built 5,000 years ago. This stunning design is available in
rings for men and women, as well as a charm, brooch, scarf ring, neckwire,
pendant and bangle, in gold, silver or pewter.
Whether you want to commemorate your own visit to the site, or you are looking
for the perfect unique gift for an archaeologist or history buff, browse the Ring of
Brodgar collection from Aurora Jewellery, with something for every taste. We
even gift wrap and ship worldwide for £6.50 to Europe, £8 to North America and
£10 for the rest of the world.