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Egyptian inspired jewelry using bead embroidery as the main technique.
Photography and Lay-out by Stib Calma |
The ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations in
the world to use elevate jewelry making into an art form. Their primary medium
in their creations was gold, as befits most cultures that worshipped the sun.
The Egyptians believed that their gods had bodies that were made of gold that
shined liked the sun, thus placing a deep significance to this precious metal.
By 1200 B.C. the Egyptians have become so adept at using
gold that they were able to develop sophisticated techniques that allowed them
to create alloys, which allowed them to shape more intricate figures. Tombs of
Egyptian Pharaohs, living incarnates of the gods themselves, were decked with
intricate creations and regal splendor.
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We made different versions, however sticking to neutral colors
such as black and white.
Photography by Carlo Cayabyab |
Sadly, looters and treasures hunters have ransacked most of
these tombs over the millennia, and we today can only imagine the magnificence
of what might have been. The monuments marking death were also vessels, in
which the mighty rulers of ancient Egypt would use for their journey into the
afterlife, were filled with precious ornaments to show their civilization’s
wealth and power.
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History of Egyptian Jewelry from the book Jewelry International Vol. II
by Caroline Childers |
In 1922 the tomb of perhaps one of the most famous pharaohs,
Tutankhamen, was discovered. Inside were immensely valuable objects that
signified the boy-king’s life as a ruler. There, Egyptologists found
Tutankhamen’s burial mask, a near-perfect replication of his features made with
solid gold. Royal symbols adorned the mask, including gold and blue glass
figures of a cobra and vulture that symbolized Lower and Upper Egypt. They also
found a cold-covered throne that had depictions of Queen Ankhesenamun anointing
the young king. Sheets of gold were inlayed with colored glass and semiprecious
stones, and in between them were representations of the Sun deity. Every inch
of the throne was covered with religious symbols and secular endeavors,
signifying the greatness of the culture that rose to dominate the entirety of
the banks of the Nile River.
Relics such as these are the only instances in which we from the modern world can hope to view this ancient, mysterious, and glorious civilization.
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History of Egyptian Jewelry from the book Jewelry International
Vol. II by Caroline Childers |
It is the love for jewelry that pushes me to be inspired and to learn more about this art form. Nowadays, we think of jewelry as mass produced items that are readily available to purchase-- from fine, bridge and costume jewelry. It is great to look back on the history, essence of ornamentation and philosophy behind the production of jewelry.
Keeping it real. -PJV
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