Extended Diploma in art and design 2014 : Egyptian Jewellery

A series of finds between the 19th and early 20th century in the tombs of princesses buried in shafts near to their father's pyramid. Inside these shafts a collection of diadems, bracelets, pectorals and collars were discovered. This jewellery of the Middle Kingdom is considered to be the most exquisite ever made. Their design and workmanship is unparalleled.

In Princess Sithathoriunet's tomb they discovered a niche in the wall which had been plastered over. Inside were five boxes which consisted of a mirror, razors and pots of cosmetics and the prize piece, a diadem in the form of a broad band of gold decorated with the royal cobra and rosettes. The cobra's head is made of lapis lazuli and the eyes of garnets. The band would have been worn over a wig made up of long braids held with gold clasps.

In 1956, at Hawara, in the tomb of Princess Neferuptah, an impressive broad collar composed of six bands of tubular beads made of feldspar and carnelian and gold beads in between. Miniature falcon heads are at the end of the collar. Matching pairs of bracelets and anklets complete the set .

Two fine pectorals were found in Princess Meret's tomb at Dahshur. They are made in the form of shrines. Inside at the top a vulture goddess with outspread wings hovers above the image of the king as a griffin, trampling his enemies.

The art of the Egyptians and the exciting new archaeological discoveries in the Valley of the Kings influenced designers during the Art Deco period. Jewellers working during this period adapted Egyptian influences into their work using motifs such as the shape and designs of pyramids, the eye of Horus, scarabs, the lotus blossoms, papyrus flowers and whole scenes of Ancient Egyptian life became motifs for jewellery. To create these Egyptian revival jewellery different gems and stones were used. Lapis lazuli, turquoise, gold, silver and cornelian. Also crystal, marcasite, precious stones, glass enamel to mention a few.