During the First Dynasty, through the New Kingdom and Pharaonic era, the Ancient Egyptians were among the world's most ardent jewelry lovers. Beauty, concluded archeologist Herbert Winlock, was taken seriously in ancient Egypt.(from "Ancient Egypt, Discovering its Splendors") Literally dripping in jewels, they walked the sun-baked streets of Egypt bejeweled from head to toe. In life, and in death, jewelry revealed one's status in the society. One of the most magnificent finds -- unearthed by tomb robbers at Qurna in 1916 -- is a 4-1/2 pound headdress; lush golden rosettes cascading over turquoise gemstones like liquid gold flowing over the banks of the River Nile, an enduring reminder of ancient opulence and tribute to the jewelry artists of the day. Other jewelry found in tombs are crowns, hair bands and wreaths. Wigs have been found embellished with jewelry and a variety of ornaments such as golden bands and tiny roses.
Goldsmiths and lapidary, creators of fine jewelry, reached the peak of their art in the Middle Kingdom. A diadem, an ornate headdress or crown worn by royalty, is just one of thousands of pieces archeologists have discovered. It's described in the wonderful coffee table book, "Ancient Egypt, Discovering its Splendors" published by National Geographic in 1978: "For Khnumet, they wove a diadem of delicate beauty--a scatter of tiny flowers, strung on threads of gold, gathered by crosses of papyrus blooms. The wreath blends hues of semiprecious stones; red carnelian, deep-blue lapis lazuli, blue-green turquoise--the "classic trio" of Egyptian lapidaries."
The wealthy lived a life of grandeur and excess. Women and men wore pierced earrings made of gold, silver or electrum (gold mixed with silver), embellished with rosettes and stars. Armlets, anklets, bracelets, necklaces, broad collars, pendants and hair decorations featured inlaid blue-green turquoise, red carnelian, deep-blue lapis lazuli and feldspar. A golden vest was also worn about the chest, unique to the culture. It was made of gold or gold-plated metal and even if made from less precious materials, painted yellow to mimic the appearance of gold.
The poor adorned their bodies with jewelry made of copper or faience. Even children wore jewelry. Egyptian beads, unmatched in number and variety by any other ancient society, still hold a timeless allure for jewelry collectors.
The ancient Egyptian's passion for jewelry, appreciation of beauty and life of pleasurable indulgence is legendary. Now on display in museums throughout the world, dazzling relics from the time of the Pharaohs shed light on the rich and mysterious world of the ancient Egyptians; their fascinating beauty as potent as ever.
The Roman era and advent of Christianity in Egypt brought with it piety and religiousness which was reflected throughout the society. Jewelry became less extravagant, made with lower quality materials and bore Christian symbols such as crosses and the Egyptian Ankh sign. With the arrival of Islam in Egypt, wearing gold jewelry was prohibited, especially by men, and other materials, including silver were used in the jewelry.
Today, reproductions of Ancient Egyptian jewelry, mostly representative of the jewelry of the Pharaohic era, is made of gold and silver with Ankh symbols, cartouche and images of Egyptian gods, kings and queens. Many beautiful imitations are available online and in specialty stores. Interestingly, the silver used in the reproductions is not 925 sterling silver, but 800, which requires more care than sterling and tarnishes more quickly. A solution of baking soda and water applied with a soft brush brings it back to a nice shine.
Enchanted Jewelry of Egypt: The Traditional Art and Craft
Jewels of the Pharaohs: Egyptian Jewelry of the Dynastic Period
