Ancient Egyptian Jewelry

Adorn yourself in the style of the Pharoahs

By Jana Wichelecki

In ancient Egypt, jewelry was worn not only for its beauty, but also for its supernatural powers of protection. The scarab, ankh, cartouche and eye of Horus are some striking motifs that possess as much ancient meaning as they do splendor. Modern adaptations of ancient Egyptian jewelry allow you to incorporate pieces of this intriguing culture into your style.

Scarab

Scarab jewelry depicts a beetle, which was the symbol of Ra, the sun god. In ancient Egypt, scarabs were made of green stone, gold, lapis, turquoise, colored glass and alabaster. Found in the tombs of many pharaohs, scarabs symbolized rebirth and were believed to ensure resurrection.

The scarab's rounded symmetrical shape and intriguing symbolism make it an attractive pendant or ring. Today's many adaptations are most often made of gold and may be inlaid with various stones, including lapis lazuli, a striking blue stone.

Ankh

The ankh, resembling a "T" with a loop on top, was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for "life." Tomb paintings often depict gods and pharaohs carrying the ankh. Ankh jewelry, made of gold, lapis or wood, was worn by ancient Egyptians as an amulet—a charm that protects the wearer from evil.

The beauty of the ankh is its mysterious simplicity, which allows it to be incorporated into a multitude of modern styles. Today, ankh jewelry is made of gold or silver and can be adorned with gemstones. Hieroglyphic engravings ornament some modern adaptations of the ankh, which add to its allure and allow it to be more easily recognized as an ancient Egyptian symbol.

Cartouche

The cartouche was worn only by pharaohs in ancient Egypt. It consists of an oval outline containing the pharaoh's name. The outline protected him from evil spirits both in life and the afterlife.

Today, this fascinating pendant can be personalized. Cartouche necklaces can be made with your name in hieroglyphics on one side of the charm and in English on the other. Modern adaptations are most commonly made of silver or gold and are even available in non-traditional shapes, like a heart.

Eye of Horus

In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were believed to be the incarnation of the deity Horus. A symbol representing the eye of Horus was worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from evil.

The eye of Horus is a sleek and simple symbol, yet it is so captivating that it can add a lot to any outfit. Today, it can be purchased in gold or silver as pendants, earrings or rings.

More than a thousand years after the fall of the Egyptian empire, the world is still fascinated by its culture, symbols and religion. You can celebrate this intriguing culture and complement your style with modern adaptations of these ancient symbols.