Ancient Egyptian Jewelry

See how the Ancient Egyptian Jewelry still inspire us to create jewelry in modern days:

Here is an example of an ancient jewelry design from Egypt:

Now see how a contemporary jewelry artist got inspired and created this awesome piece:

A Modern Egyptian Jewelry Design:

Jewelry symbolized power and also religious power in the society. Gold and precious jewelry were also given to the dead bodies in the grave. Egyptians believed that they might need them in after life.

Gold was the most preferred metal for jewelry making. Although the Egyptians had ample access to precious stones, they loved colored glasses.

Filigree style was coveted and it is amazing to see the workmanship they showed in those detail metal work. I wonder what kind of tools did they use.

Color was a very important thing in the ancient Egyptian designs, not just for the aesthetic reasons, but each color had a specific meaning. For example, green meant new crop growth and fertility.

The Book of the Dead or their funeral text dictated what color the dead body should have when buried. For example, in the Egyptian Book of the Dead it was stated that the necklace of the God Isis around a mummy's neck must be red to satisfy Isis's need for blood.

Both men and women wore jewelry for protection from the evils. Scarab and beetle-shaped amulet were popular designs as they symbolized rebirth and fertility.

Precious stones were available near Egypt . In the Red Sea Egyptians mined Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone- emerald. But Lapis lazuli and silver had to be imported.

Ancient Egyptian Jewelry designs were most common in Phoenician jewelry. Also, ancient Turkish designs found in Persian jewelry suggest that trade between the Middle East and Europe was not uncommon. Women wore elaborate gold and silver pieces that were used in ceremonies.

(Reference: Readers Digest Assn 1986. The Last Two Million Years . Readers Digest. ISBN 0-86438-007-0)

Many treasures were lost due to tomb robbery and pirate attacks. But one remained almost intact over thousands of years. It is the famous Pharao Tutenkhameon (1336-1327 BC)who was able to amass a legacy of wealth and treasure that still lives on today.

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