Egyptian Jewelry

Jewelry played a significant role among Egyptians, embodying both religious and magical symbolism. Egyptian jewelers were master craftsmen and created stunning jewelry from a myriad of simple, natural materials like shells, twigs, bones, metals, emeralds and other semi-precious gemstones, animal and manmade materials. Color symbolism was important in Egyptian jewelry. In addition, the Egyptians were fond of dressing their mummies in the most elaborate jewelry.

Skilled at chasing, engraving, soldering, repoussé, and inlaying jewelry with gemstones, Egyptian craftsmen generally worked with gold and silver. The ancient Egyptians, both male and female, were fond of ornamental jewelry and wore diadems, long bead necklaces, square pectorals, hoop, hinged, or beaded bracelets, bangle bracelets, anklets, and rings.

Two bracelets worn on each arm were conventional accessories for Egyptians. While one bracelet adorned the wrist, the other was displayed prominently above the elbow. The signet ring, a finger ring containing an engraved signet or seal was also a popular symbol of Egyptian jewelry.

The vest, made from gold or gold-plated metal was a unique type of Egyptian jewelry worn around the chest. Egyptian religious imagery like the scarab or beetle, lotus, falcon, serpent, and eye were popular jewelry motifs.