Ancient Egyptian Luxuries

In addition to man's innate fascination with beautiful items, jewelry had a spiritual and magical significance in the Egyptian ancient world. It protected the wearer from malevolence and illness. Jewelry was so important to daily life that it was even buried with the dead to ensure a lavish journey into the afterlife! Deep red Rubies adorned the bodies of the dead to represent an offering of blood to the God Isis!
     It was not just women who wore jewelry. Men were often dressed in beautiful ornaments possessing different powers. Bright green Emeralds symbolized life and success. Majestic blue colored stones such as Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise were highly favored by royalty.  Jewelry was so important to the Ancient Egyptians that it was during the Middle Kingdom in Egypt when many new gold working techniques were invented. At the time, much of the abundant gold came from Nubia. It was only after the arrival of Christianity in Egypt that the wearing of ornate jewelry began to decline. The new Christians wore smaller ornaments to show their piety and devotion to the new religion. After the introduction of Islam, men no longer wore gold jewelry. 

Can’t Fight the Influence

      In Elizabeth Taylor’s most famous role, Cleopatra wears a collection of beautiful Ancient Egyptian inspired jewelry. The motion picture sparked her personal interest with jewelry in elaborate matching sets. Her parures often consisted of a bib style necklace, matching drop ear pendants, bracelets, and a ring in every color of the rainbow! Emeralds and Rubies were popular in Egyptian jewelry and these gemstones appeared in many pieces of her jewelry. This heavy eyeliner look was so enchanting that Elizabeth Taylor adopted the look many times even after filming. From their rituals, to jewelry, to eye make-up- the Egyptians were dramatic indeed!  

     Colorful stones were not just used in jewelry. They were used for make-up as well! In Egyptians times, Lapis Lazuli (blue) and Malachite (Green) were among the stones used for colored eye liner. This was popularized by the image of the Goddesses wearing extended eyeliner in carvings and statues. This was not a practice restricted to the rich. It was worn by all people- even men!

DE18206 Victorian Emerald Charm/ Pendant set in Yellow Gold. Etruscan style Gold beads decorate the top of the acorn shaped emerald.

 

“Fool! Don't you see now that I could have poisoned you a hundred times had I been able to live without you?” ~Cleopatra