The Test of Time

Egyptians strongly believed in the power of gems and sacred symbols to heal, protect, and attract luck. Still to this day, those beliefs are upheld in certain cultures and with certain buyers of jewelry. Belief in energies of certain gemstones and sacred symbols are still present in our modern day.

As with any folklore, the tradition is carried on long past the inception of it all. (Sims, 2011) Additionally, the art of jewelry making and all of its steps is ritualistic and, therefore, could ease anxiety in our modern age. (Powell, 2017)

Lasting Tradition

The Egyptian's are credited as having invented the lost wax casting method that jewelers still used to this day. Instead of beeswax, a plaster called investment is commonly used. The ratio of our alloy to gold has changed over the years as well as we've gotten better at purifying, but the methods have not changed much and, as we know, evolution of a tradition is all part of what keeps it alive. As we know, “revivals change the traditions they attempt to revive.” (Handler & Linnekin, 1984)

Jewelry is still viewed as a symbol of wealth and offers the ability to express oneself and wear symbols and stones that are dear to the wearer. We still see sacred symbols in the form of crosses and ankhs. We also see fascination with gems as still being common through peoples attention to what birthstone is theirs.

The folklore of ancient Egyptian jewelry making has permeated cultures for centuries and the ancient methods are still passed down to this day. Their ingenuity and craftsmanship is still revered today and the methods they invented are alive and thriving.