My Religious Jewelry

Ancient Egyptian

For the Ancient Egyptians, jewelry was not merely a way of improving one's looks. Jewelry played a crucial role in expressing religious and spiritual beliefs. Archeologists know that Egyptian jewelry was inspired by religious deities based on the minerals used, the symbols engraved, and who the jewelry was buried with.

Minerals and metals were identified with specific deities as well as mythical properties. As with many precious stones today- scarcity largely determined the value of gems and metals in Ancient Egypt. For example, silver was more valued than gold due to its relative scarcity. Stones (such as lapis lazuli), and metals that required a high cost- for example, due to location or expense, was more coveted and given higher spiritual significance.

Amulets were worn among the poor and the nobility to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck.

Scarab- The most important amulet in Ancient Egypt was the scarab- a dung beetle believed to roll across the sky.

Udjat- The Eye of Horus represents healing and wards off the evil eye.

Ankh- A symbol representing eternal life.