The earliest examples of Egyptian jewellery which have come down to us are those of the Predynastic period (more than 3000 years B.C.), where the Egyptians had been making beads and ornaments of semi-precious stones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, cornelian, Quartz, Garnet, Turquoise, and other objects.

The ancient Egyptians wore jewellery as much for protection from the evil eye as for ornamentation. Egyptian ornaments were decorated with a variety of Precious and Semi-Precious Stones. The colours of the stones were associated with magical symbolism which would provide the wearer of the jewellery with various forms of protection against evil and good luck.

Men, women and children of all social classes wore jewellery during this period of time. Rich people might choose gold were those with little money could have their jewellery made with copper or fewer benefit metals. Ancient Egyptians wore various shapes and kinds of jewellery, some of which are Bracelets and Bangles, finger rings, amulets, cartouches, pectorals, necklaces, earrings, crowns, belts and vests.

Egyptian Ornaments

During the Badari and Naqada eras ancient Egyptian ornaments were made from simple natural materials; including, plant branches, shells, beads, solid stones or bones. Threads of flax or cow hair were often used to string together necklaces and amulets. Glass substances were used to paint stones in order to give jewellery brilliance.

Rings made of stone or horn were very popular before different metals were discovered. It was only during later eras that jeweller began creating ornaments using metals such as silver, gold and copper.

However, the use of metals in jewellery was limited because of the dangerous prevalent mining conditions. A unique type of jewellery that never appeared in other cultures was the vest, which was worn around the chest. It was usually made of gold or of gold-plated metal.

Most of the raw materials that were used to make jewellery were found in Egypt, but certain prized materials such as lapis lazuli were imported from Afghanistan. Ancient gold was considered the skin of gods and was the metal of choice for most of the jewellery.

Tutankhamen’s scarab beetle bracelet and a scarab beetle pectoral represented the morning sun, fertility and rejuvenation. Tutankhamen’s spectacular mask exemplifies the extraordinary sophistication of jewellery making in his time. The precise facial likeness, created in gold sheeting with obsidian and quartz for the eyes, was meant to ensure his soul recognized and could return to the mummified body.