Jewelry in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians began crafting jewelry as early as prehistoric times. Initially, they used simple materials like shells, beads, and stones. Over time, they progressed to utilizing metals such as gold and copper, especially after mining commenced in the Eastern Desert and Nubia. Silver, due to its scarcity, was considered the most precious metal in ancient Egypt.

the most significant types of jewelry

necklaces Worn on the chest in various square or rectangular shapes, these necklaces were often suspended from a cord. They were made of pure gold or a non-gold metal with a gold-like color. These necklaces were consistently adorned with precious stones like lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise.

Various necklaces highlighting the beauty of ancient Egyptian jewelry

A necklace for Princess “Sat Hathor Iunut” from the princess’s tomb in Lahun, Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty

The bracelets

The wearing of gold bracelets inlaid with gems became widespread in Egypt, serving both religious purposes as amulets and aesthetic purposes for adornment. -A bracelet of King Shoshenq II, 22nd Dynasty, around 885 BC, is currently housed in the Egyptian Museum.

The Rings

Rings were a popular adornment among ancient Egyptian royalty, often crafted from gold or silver. A particularly famous design was the scarab ring, which could be used as a seal and was believed to bring good luck.

Gold ring with four faces

A revolving gold ring with four faces, the first bearing the cartouche of King Horemheb, and the other three faces are symbols of protection: crocodile, scorpion, and lion, housed in Louvre Museum, France.

King Ramses II ring

golden ring belong to King Ramses II of the 19th Dynasty, is also on display at the Louvre Museum

Earrings

Every shape of earring we have today was found in ancient Egypt, whether it was circular, in the shape of a grape cluster, or in smaller forms.

Images of Queen Nefertari illustrate these various earring styles

The religious and magical purpose of jewelry:

The ancient Egyptians used jewelry as amulets or charms to protect them from evil forces. These were often made of precious or semi-precious stones such as carnelian, which represented the color of living blood, turquoise, symbolizing the lush greenery of early spring, or lapis lazuli, representing the blue of water or the sacred sky.

The significance of colors in inlaid jewelry

The colors used in inlaid jewelry held significant meanings in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Blue, for example, was believed to offer protection against the evil eye and Envy, while green symbolized prosperity, vitality, and rejuvenation. Scarabs were often made from green or blue faience.

Dwarfs and jewelry making

Dwarfs played a crucial role in jewelry making due to the precision of their hands. Their skill made it easier to inlay gold with precious stones, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship of ancient Egyptians and their ability to utilize all human talents in their artistry. One of the most famous dwarfs in ancient Egypt was Seneb, who held a high-ranking position during the Old Kingdom. A group statue of Seneb, his wife, and children is on display at the Egyptian Museum

Seneb and his wife

Seneb and his wife embracing him as a sign of love, and the children are naked as evidence of his young age

the Mereruka tomb in Saqqara showing workers

An inscription from the Mereruka tomb in Saqqara showing workers, especially dwarves, making some gold artifacts