Jewelry of the Pharaohs

A big difference between human and beast is that humans

, as far back in history as we can find, have had the need to adorn their bodies in life and death. The first jewelry was made from whatever natural materials were in the area, and the culture would dictate the patterns or symbols used.

The first jewelry may have been used to hold together clothing, but soon it was made to attract attention to different parts of the wearer's body. Jewelry, throughout time, has been used as separating social classes. More rare and exotic pieces were for the wealthier class. Also, jewelry has been used as currency or trading goods, as well as, healing sickness, warding off evil, and protection against harm.

Ancient Egypt, 3,000 to 5,000 years ago, was the first culture to have established jewelry makers with large workshops connected to palaces or temples. Egyptian jewelry soon began to symbolize worldly power and religious power for the wearer. It was also worn by them in death and their other jewelry placed with the rest of the burial goods.

The Egyptians preferred gold over other metals, because it could be more easily shaped and it didn't easily tarnish. Turquoise was often used, as were other gems, found in or near Egypt. Silver and lapis lazuli were imported, but favorites also. Although the Egyptians had gem stones, they preferred colored glass over the natural colors of gems. The color of jewelry was especially important to the Egyptians because different colors meant different things. The Book of the Dead insisted that the necklace of Isis placed around a mummy's neck had to be red to satisfy the Goddess' need for blood. Green jewelry stood for fertility and new growth for crops. Dark blue was the color of the protective night sky. Egyptian funeral beliefs were that the mummified body be adorned with the finest jewelry.

Today Egyptian inspired jewelry is gold or silver with bright glass or gemstones of the colors mentioned before. Egyptian inspired rings, necklaces, pins, and bracelets still display the symbols that were so important to their culture. Many pieces contain a cartouche, oval shape, enclosing, instead of a sovereign's name, hieroglyphics. The ankh, a cross having a loop for the upper vertical arm in ancient Egypt was an emblem of life. The scarab, beetle, is a symbol of resurrection. The lotus, Eye of Horus, cobra and Goddess Isis are also used in jewelry inspired by Egypt.

Jewelry of the Pharaohs

By: Diane L.J. Nassy

POST COMMENT

Egypt's Influence on Jewelry over Time Timeless Jewelry for the Young at Heart Egyptian Inspired Jewelry Elizabeth Taylor With Her Tiffany Jewelry Ultra Diamonds Review & Coupon Code Diamond Engagement Rings And Their Shapes Play '7 Wonders: Treasures Of 7' On R4 Gold Handbooks In Maintaining Jewelry New Uniqueness of jewelry Great Ways To Buy Gold Bullion Diamond Paste Gives Shimmering Effect To The Surfaces Great Courage Needed to Put on Pandora Jewellery Solitaire Diamond Rings: The Ultimate Answer To All Glitters