Man has always had this natural attraction to precious metals and stones. In many societies these precious metals have been a determinant of a man’s status and wealth. However Egyptian jewellery was not just limited to precious metals and stones, many other natural materials like shells, bones, beads, etc. have also been used to create jewellery. Over centuries Egyptian jewellery has held much significance other than just being used to add to one’s beauty. Jewellery no doubt makes a person feel more beautiful, but it also held religious and at times a magical significance for the Egyptian people.

Egyptian Jewellery was a way of the daily life before the Roman times. During the Pharaonic Era, the body of the deceased was decorated with different types of Egyptian jewellery and ornaments before they were placed in tombs. And within these tombs jewellery belonging to the deceased were placed, like the crowns, wreaths, belts, earring, anklets, bracelets, rings, necklaces and many more. Men and women both wore Egyptian jewellery items alike, till the arrival of the Romans in Egypt.


After the arrival of Romans in Egypt, majority of the population converted to Christianity, and people started to think of jewellery as extravagant items to spend on. Egyptian jewellery became a less common ornament, and gained a certain religious significance. People started to wear jewellery bearing religious symbols. There has always been a trend of ‘amulets’ in Egyptian jewellery and this was continued. Many charms bearing the ‘Ankh’ were still worn by people, as they were believed to ward of evil and bad luck. Egyptian jewellery is still adorned with these decorations, as they are still believed to hold certain magical powers.

However, after the Romans, the Arabs conquered Egypt and brought Islam as the religion. The new religion prohibited men from wearing gold, and so jewellery among men became a rarity completely. Other gold ornaments were and are, still used by Muslim men.

Traditional Egyptian jewellery designs are to this day extremely popular. Now they have achieved a different likelihood among the youth, who are drawn to the deep traditions behind every design and the meaning they hold.