Inspiration: Ancient Egypt

July 22, 2016 Cheryl Kremkow Jewelry Trends Tags: , 4 Comments

Hieroglyphics. Pyramids. Scarabs. Lotus flowers. Ankhs. Ra the Sun God. The Eye of Horus. The rich visual language of Ancient Egypt is inspiring jewelry design. Think of it as an Egyptian Revival Revival.

The first Egyptian Revival in the Nineteenth Century was literal. Obelisks and Pharaohs decorated piazzas and buildings. The second referenced tomb paintings and objects filtered through the geometry and modernism of Art Deco, adding geometric patterning and vivid inlay to the traditional motifs of scarabs and lotus blossoms.

Today, the inspiration is more abstract, using the iconic forms of hieroglyphics with triangular Art Deco patterning.

Still on an upswing, look for creative new interpretations of this Egyptian Revival Revival, particularly in inlay and enamel, in the year to come.

Worthy of Ra: the Olympia Necklace by Ana Khouri
Worthy of Ra: the Olympia Necklace by Ana Khouri
Metropolitan Earrings with golden South Sea pearls by Autore
Metropolitan Earrings with golden South Sea pearls by Autore
Scarabee Cuff with sapphires and tsavoriets by Aurelie Bidermann
Scarabee Cuff with sapphires and tsavoriets by Aurelie Bidermann
Double -finger Eye Ring by Buddha Mama
Double -finger Eye Ring by Buddha Mama
Reversible Nefertiti Earrings by Featherstone Design
Lotus and Scarab Earrings by Featherstone Design
Pave Ankh Pendant from the Icon Collection by Lynn Ban
Pave Ankh Pendant from the Icon Collection by Lynn Ban
Devi Ring in tourmaline and sapphire by Daniela Villegas
Devi Ring in tourmaline and sapphire by Daniela Villegas
Lotus Flower earrings by Carla Amorim
Lotus Flower earrings by Carla Amorim
Severin Collar by Ana Katerina
Severin Collar by Ana Katerina
Earrings by Deborah Pagani
Earrings by Deborah Pagani
Protection Signet Ring by Foundrae, photo courtesy of Memo Jewelry
Protection Signet Ring by Foundrae, photo courtesy of Memo Jewelry
Wing Earrings by Kavant Sharart
Wing Earrings by Kavant Sharart
Ring by Jade Jagger
Ring by Jade Jagger
Division Collar in abalone and gold-plated bronze by Lady Grey
Division Collar in abalone and gold-plated bronze by Lady Grey
Red Coral Gladiator Ring by Doryn Wallach
Red Coral Gladiator Ring by Doryn Wallach
Geometric Diamond Earrings by Solange Azagury-Partridge
Geometric Diamond Earrings by Solange Azagury-Partridge
Fan Ring by Michelle Fantaci
Fan Ring by Michelle Fantaci
Thurisaz Necklace by Rachel Boston
Thurisaz Necklace by Rachel Boston
Lapis Scarab Ring by RVVL
Lapis Scarab Ring by RVVL

 

 

4 Comments

  1. Mary Colclough 2 years Reply

    I had a little Eye of Horus pendant that I bought in Egypt a few years ago ,backed by 14ct gold,which I loved.It was lovely and colourful and I have lost it!!I am heartbroken,and I was wondering if anyone on this site could put me in touch with a jeweller who could replace it for me. Eternally grateful,. Mary.

  2. Rick 7 years Reply

    Out of all the Egyptian jewelry on this site, I really love the Scarabee Cuff with sapphires and tsavoriets by Aurelie Bidermann. Is that a new design or is this piece a recreate from ancient times?

    • Cheryl Kremkow 7 years Reply

      It’s a new design, Rick. It think it’s a great modern take on the theme even though it’s not at all like ancient Egyptian jewelry.

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