Jewellery is more than just a form of adornment. It can also convey meaning, express identity, and reflect culture. In this blog, we will explore how jewellery has been used as a symbol throughout history, focusing on the examples of Ancient Egypt and today.
Jewellery in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians wore jewellery for various reasons, such as personal decoration, status symbols, protection, and health. They believed in the power of gems and magic symbols to affect their lives and their afterlife. They used precious metals, rare stones, intricately carved glass, and sometimes even clay or wooden beads to create their jewellery. Some of the most common types of jewellery in Ancient Egypt were:
- Earrings: Both men and women wore earrings, which were usually made of gold or silver and decorated with beads or gemstones. Earrings could indicate the wearer’s social class or profession, as well as their religious affiliation or personal taste.
- Necklaces: Necklaces were worn by both genders and could range from simple strings of beads to elaborate collars that covered the chest and shoulders. Necklaces could have pendants or amulets that represented gods, goddesses, animals, or symbols of protection or power.
- Rings: Rings were worn by both men and women, usually on the fourth finger of the left hand. Rings could be made of gold, silver, bronze, or iron and could have various designs or inscriptions. Rings could serve as legal authentication, with each man having a signet ring bearing his family emblem. Rings could also symbolize love, friendship, or loyalty.
- Bracelets: Bracelets were worn by both sexes and could be made of metal, leather, or cloth. Bracelets could have charms or amulets that represented different aspects of life, such as fertility, prosperity, or health. Bracelets could also be used as a form of currency or exchange.
- Hair ornaments: Hair ornaments were mainly worn by women and could include beads, ribbons, flowers, feathers, or jewels. Hair ornaments could indicate the wearer’s marital status, social class, or mood. Hair ornaments could also have religious significance or magical properties.
Some of the most popular symbols used in Ancient Egyptian jewellery were:
- The Ankh: The ankh is a cross with a loop at the top that represents life, eternal life, or rebirth. It was often worn by pharaohs, gods, goddesses, and priests as a sign of their divine power. It was also used as a blessing or a curse by holding it over someone’s head.
- The Udjat: The udjat is an eye that represents protection, healing, and wisdom. It was often worn by people to ward off evil or illness. It was also associated with the god Horus, who lost his eye in a battle with his uncle Set and had it restored by the god Thoth.
- The Scarab: The scarab is a beetle that represents creation, transformation, and resurrection. It was often worn by people to symbolize their rebirth in the afterlife. It was also associated with the god Khepri, who was believed to roll the sun across the sky every day.
- The Lotus: The lotus is a flower that represents purity, beauty, and enlightenment. It was often worn by people to symbolize their spiritual growth or awakening. It was also associated with the goddess Isis, who was believed to have emerged from a lotus flower.
Jewellery Today
Jewellery today is still used as a form of expression, identity, and culture. People wear jewellery for various reasons, such as fashion, sentimentality, or spirituality. Some of the most common types of jewellery today are:
- Earrings: Earrings are still worn by both men and women and can be made of various materials and styles. Earrings can indicate the wearer’s personality, preferences, or mood. Earrings can also have cultural or religious significance, such as hoops for Latinas or crosses for Christians.
- Necklaces: Necklaces are still worn by both genders and can be made of various materials and styles. Necklaces can indicate the wearer’s taste, beliefs, or values. Necklaces can also have symbolic meanings, such as hearts for love or stars for dreams.
- Rings: Rings are still worn by both men and women and can be made of various materials and styles. Rings can indicate the wearer’s status, commitment, or affiliation. Rings can also have symbolic meanings, such as diamonds for eternity or birthstones for month of birth.
- Bracelets: Bracelets are still worn by both sexes and can be made of various materials and styles. Bracelets can indicate the wearer’s hobbies, interests, or passions. Bracelets can also have symbolic meanings, such as charms for luck or beads for prayer.
- Hair ornaments: Hair ornaments are still worn by women and can include clips, pins, bands, or extensions. Hair ornaments can indicate the wearer’s style, creativity, or mood. Hair ornaments can also have symbolic meanings, such as flowers for femininity or feathers for freedom.
Some of the most popular symbols used in jewellery today are:
- The Infinity: The infinity is a figure-eight that represents endlessness, eternity, or limitlessness. It is often worn by people to symbolize their everlasting love, friendship, or faith. It is also associated with the concept of balance, harmony, or completeness.
- The Hamsa: The hamsa is a hand that represents protection, luck, or blessing. It is often worn by people to ward off evil or harm. It is also associated with different cultures and religions, such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
- The Gemstone: The gemstone is a mineral that represents beauty, rarity, or value. It is often worn by people to enhance their appearance, express their individuality, or attract positive energy. It is also associated with different meanings and powers, depending on the type, color, and shape of the stone.
- The Flower: The flower is a plant that represents life, growth, or happiness. It is often worn by people to celebrate their joy, gratitude, or hope. It is also associated with different meanings and emotions, depending on the type, color, and number of the flower.
Conclusion
Jewellery and its symbolism have been a part of human history and culture for thousands of years. From Ancient Egypt to modern times, jewellery has been used to communicate meaning, express identity, and reflect culture. Whether it is made of gold or glass, stone or metal, jewellery can tell a story about the wearer and the world they live in.
I hope you enjoyed this blog and learned something new about jewellery and its symbolism. If you did, please share it with your friends and leave a comment below. Thank you for reading! 😊