p until the 8th century golden coins from the Byzantine Empire would have provided the Germanic goldsmiths with their 'raw' material. Next to gold silver was fashionable and after the large quantities of Byzantine gold ceased to find their way into Western Europe Arabian silver became the most used metal for jewelry. For cheaper versions tinned, gilded and silver plated bronze was used.
Precious stones were very popular. Color was extremely important to the new inhabitants of western Europe. Sapphires, emeralds and above all garnets were used intensively. Enamels were used as well, mainly after Byzantine masters' examples. Pearls from the Orient as well as freshwater pearls from Scotland were in great demand.