thumb|upright=2|A lock ring found in [[Rutland, Britain, c. 1150 - 800 BC. Weight: 4.12g]]
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.
Description
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. 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. The lock ring most likely originated in Ireland by the middle of the eighth century B.C. and continued to be produced in Ireland into the seventh century B.C. Several lock rings, along with other highly crafted gold objects, have been found in the River Shannon area in Ireland, in north Munster. The distribution of lock rings is divided into four major geographical groups: Ireland, North Britain, South Britain and France. Distribution of lock-rings outside of Ireland occurred by two different routes: northwards to Wales and northeast England and Scotland, and south-eastwards to southeast England. The lock rings found in Europe were concentrated in northwestern France.
During the late Bronze Age, finely made gold objects were important items of status and wealth.