New Egyptian Jewelry Line
Published On: 11-14-2011 08:24pm
Comments: 0 - Hits: 209
Category: Egypt
When it comes to jewelry, no one did it quite like the Ancient Egyptians. Their use of color and lines, paired with symbolism and - the order of the cosmos - resulted in some of the most extraordinary jewelry designs in history.
Through various alliances and dominance over neighboring lands, Egyptians had access to many different materials for jewelry making, including gold, carnelian, alabaster and lapis. They also incorporated their own ceramic concoction - faience - to create beads and sculpture.
After the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter in 1922, the Ancient Egyptian aesthetic became famous around the world, as it had never been before. Much of the jewelry, clothing and décor styles that we associate with that fashionable decade can be attributed to the artifacts found in the Valley of the Kings.
These Egyptian styles - not only the traditional, but the 1920’s influence as well - have been my personal obsession for many, many years. I love the contrast of a primitive but decadent lifestyle, and the way the Ancient Egyptians were enlightened and sophisticated in a world that was without much order.
Though they were experts at agriculture in a time when hunting and gathering was still common, they had no running water. They wore the finest jewels the world would ever see, and made their beer from last week’s stale bread (though the method worked so well even the Greeks adopted it). Women were denied independance, but given complete authority over their households and treated with more respect than any other women of the time, or for centuries after.
Although precious metals and gemstones are not on my list of sustainable and ethical jewelry materials, I still love the styles of Ancient Egyptian jewelry, and I thought it was time I explored them a little more with my own designs. I have a great collection of Egyptian inspired books and art to draw from - some of which I’ll be sharing here as I work on this new collection of beaded Egyptian jewelry.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be working on some new and unique designs, combining my own favorite techniques with the traditional Egyptian look, and adding a modern twist here and there. Here’s a little sneak preview of some of the palettes that I’ll be using:
Some of these new designs will also be a part of my Bracelet a Week challenge, and I’m looking forward to making some great discoveries along the way. I don’t have a set number of pieces planned, but I hope to continue with this theme throughout June, and see where it takes me. See you there!
-Mortira
Copyright 2011 The Sage's Cupboard ---- Follow This Blog
Find me on: Facebook and Twitter
Like Handmade? Join ArtFire to get your own store and built-in blog!
Through various alliances and dominance over neighboring lands, Egyptians had access to many different materials for jewelry making, including gold, carnelian, alabaster and lapis. They also incorporated their own ceramic concoction - faience - to create beads and sculpture.
After the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter in 1922, the Ancient Egyptian aesthetic became famous around the world, as it had never been before. Much of the jewelry, clothing and décor styles that we associate with that fashionable decade can be attributed to the artifacts found in the Valley of the Kings.
These Egyptian styles - not only the traditional, but the 1920’s influence as well - have been my personal obsession for many, many years. I love the contrast of a primitive but decadent lifestyle, and the way the Ancient Egyptians were enlightened and sophisticated in a world that was without much order.
Though they were experts at agriculture in a time when hunting and gathering was still common, they had no running water. They wore the finest jewels the world would ever see, and made their beer from last week’s stale bread (though the method worked so well even the Greeks adopted it). Women were denied independance, but given complete authority over their households and treated with more respect than any other women of the time, or for centuries after.
Although precious metals and gemstones are not on my list of sustainable and ethical jewelry materials, I still love the styles of Ancient Egyptian jewelry, and I thought it was time I explored them a little more with my own designs. I have a great collection of Egyptian inspired books and art to draw from - some of which I’ll be sharing here as I work on this new collection of beaded Egyptian jewelry.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be working on some new and unique designs, combining my own favorite techniques with the traditional Egyptian look, and adding a modern twist here and there. Here’s a little sneak preview of some of the palettes that I’ll be using:
Some of these new designs will also be a part of my Bracelet a Week challenge, and I’m looking forward to making some great discoveries along the way. I don’t have a set number of pieces planned, but I hope to continue with this theme throughout June, and see where it takes me. See you there!
-Mortira
Copyright 2011 The Sage's Cupboard ---- Follow This Blog
Find me on: Facebook and Twitter
Like Handmade? Join ArtFire to get your own store and built-in blog!
