Jewelry and ornaments

Jewelry and ornaments

Ancient Egyptian attire, with the exception of nobility's garments, was simple and unadorned. Color and wealth were displayed through accessories, mainly jewelry, which both men and women wore. The simple white pleated clothing was often richly enhanced with wide collars made of shells, beads, flowers, and precious stones set in gold - a style that originated during the Old Kingdom. However these decorative pieces were only a sample of the range of jewelry available. Jewelry was part of ancient Egyptian wardrobe since before the Dynasties and Egyptians had mastered the art of jewelry making. Necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets were made of gold, coral, pearl, agate, onyx, and chalcedony. Silver was the substance of the gods' bones and was mainly used for ornamentation.

Accessories also had religious or political significance. The pharaohs' regalia was highly symbolic. The cobra, worn on both the crown and the hood-like head-dress, was a symbol exclusive to kings in Egypt. And so was the ankh, which was a sacred sign of life. The crook and flail represented authority over the land and the people. Amulets, such as scarab beetles, were worn in life and then buried with the dead for protection.

Flowers were often used as adornment, not only for their beauty, but also for their sacred qualities. Archeologists have found mummies wearing collars of flowers. These were often used in religious ceremonies.