Egyptian Burials and Jewelry

Throughout history, jewelry has been an important part of culture, and it is quite evident in the ancient Egyptian era.  As a kid I was baffled by the amount of things the Pharaohs and kings had in their tombstones. As an adult, I understand why, based on their beliefs, but I am also fascinated by the role that jewelry, gemstones, and precious metals had. 

Heart scarab amulet of Hatnefer, ca. 1492-1473 B.C. (picture via https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545146 )

Ancient Egyptians so strongly believed in a physical after life, that they supplied their deceased with things they thought they would need.  For Pharaohs who wanted to enter the after life as elite, they needed things to symbolize their power, wealth, and divinity.  Gold was thought to be the flesh of the gods, so gold amulets, pectorals, rings, earrings, bracelets, crowns, and girdles were usually all in gold.  The pieces generally had religious symbols to show their divinity and create a better place for them in the after-life.   

According to the American Research Center in Egypt, or ARCE, the famed Book of the Dead contains specific chapters devoted to what gemstones should be placed on the body and mummified with the person.  Each gemstone had significance, for example, “…Chapter 30 prescribed what is believed to be green jasper for the heart scarab. The heart scarab amulet was created to aid the deceased in the weighing of the heart ritual in which the justice of one’s heart was weighed against the feather of truth/Maat.” (https://arce.org/resource/egyptian-jewelry-window-ancient-culture/ )

Jewelry has always been significant in our history (and after-life), and it still is today! Jewelry today represents our connection to ourselves, our loved-ones, and our future generations.

I would love to help you with you connect through jewelry this holiday season! We can even use your existing jewelry and restyle it. Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 28 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment