Many people are looking for ways to increase their jewelry wardrobe in meaningful and interesting ways. One choice that is becoming increasingly popular is Egyptian cartouche jewelry. This is because of the long history behind these pieces and the ability to customize each piece in a significant and interesting way.
Cartouches date back to ancient Egypt. Architects and historians who were excavating tombs and temples noticed that there were symbols of animals and objects carved and painted onto walls. They covered many surfaces and were often inscribed onto items as well. These symbols were hieroglyphics and they made up the written language of the ancient Egyptians.
Some areas had lines of symbols on buildings and items. They covered the cases that mummies rested in. They covered the surface of furniture and seemed to be telling a story. In some areas, the lines of symbols were broken up by oval shapes that enclosed some icons. As the historians decoded more and more of the alphabet, they began to realize that the ovals enclosed names. Often, they were the names of royalty but this was not always the case.
Once historians knew what the symbols meant, it wasn't long before ordinary people were wanting to play around with them. They wanted to translate their own names, or other details into the Egyptian symbols. And ultimately, they wanted to find ways to use the symbols on pieces of jewelry. Shortly thereafter, cartouche pieces began to be found in more and more locations.
Although it can be fun to buy the first piece you come across, it might be worthwhile to sit down and think about what your ideal jewelry piece would be. It can help you narrow down your search and may help you find pieces that are of higher quality. Although it may take up time to do some checking it is going to be worthwhile. This is especially true if you are buying a piece made from precious metal as these can cost hundreds of dollars.
You want to make sure that the symbols inside mean what they say they mean. Like any ancient writing system, it can be easy to make mistakes when translating words into symbols. There are also changes to the writing system that took place throughout Egyptian history. It's a good idea to work with a reputable jewelry or supplier of these pieces. This way you know that the correct symbols are being used.
You want to make sure that you are getting what you paid for. Again, a reputable site or dealer will be of help in this area. If you are paying for precious metals, you want to make sure that they have the purity that is being advertised. You should usually expect to pay more for gold than you would for silver. Metals such as platinum can be even more expensive.
Taking the time to do your research is a good thing where these pieces are concerned. Check out websites on ancient Egypt, especially those that feature hieroglyphic alphabets. Many museums and reputable academic websites will have this information available online. That way you can make sure that you are choosing the right symbols to be inside your cartouche. You can then wear your piece with pride for years to come.
Cartouches date back to ancient Egypt. Architects and historians who were excavating tombs and temples noticed that there were symbols of animals and objects carved and painted onto walls. They covered many surfaces and were often inscribed onto items as well. These symbols were hieroglyphics and they made up the written language of the ancient Egyptians.
Some areas had lines of symbols on buildings and items. They covered the cases that mummies rested in. They covered the surface of furniture and seemed to be telling a story. In some areas, the lines of symbols were broken up by oval shapes that enclosed some icons. As the historians decoded more and more of the alphabet, they began to realize that the ovals enclosed names. Often, they were the names of royalty but this was not always the case.
Once historians knew what the symbols meant, it wasn't long before ordinary people were wanting to play around with them. They wanted to translate their own names, or other details into the Egyptian symbols. And ultimately, they wanted to find ways to use the symbols on pieces of jewelry. Shortly thereafter, cartouche pieces began to be found in more and more locations.
Although it can be fun to buy the first piece you come across, it might be worthwhile to sit down and think about what your ideal jewelry piece would be. It can help you narrow down your search and may help you find pieces that are of higher quality. Although it may take up time to do some checking it is going to be worthwhile. This is especially true if you are buying a piece made from precious metal as these can cost hundreds of dollars.
You want to make sure that the symbols inside mean what they say they mean. Like any ancient writing system, it can be easy to make mistakes when translating words into symbols. There are also changes to the writing system that took place throughout Egyptian history. It's a good idea to work with a reputable jewelry or supplier of these pieces. This way you know that the correct symbols are being used.
You want to make sure that you are getting what you paid for. Again, a reputable site or dealer will be of help in this area. If you are paying for precious metals, you want to make sure that they have the purity that is being advertised. You should usually expect to pay more for gold than you would for silver. Metals such as platinum can be even more expensive.
Taking the time to do your research is a good thing where these pieces are concerned. Check out websites on ancient Egypt, especially those that feature hieroglyphic alphabets. Many museums and reputable academic websites will have this information available online. That way you can make sure that you are choosing the right symbols to be inside your cartouche. You can then wear your piece with pride for years to come.
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