Egyptian Faience Beaded Jewellery Set
£ 295.00
A fine Egyptian jewellery set, including a necklace, small bracelet and earrings, all restrung with original faience beads in different shapes and colours.
The necklace and the bracelet are composed of turquoise or pale green tubular beads, interspersed with stacks of small, flattened discs in cream, red, black, blue, turquoise faience. The necklace is finished with a modern small gold-plated clasp (please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied). The bracelet has been restrung onto elastic.
Each of the earrings features two drop pendants of different lengths, consisting of tubular and disc-shaped beads in a similar arrangement which echoes the other pieces in the set. The beads are held in place by modern gold-plated pins, suspended from a loop and complete with hooks at the top for personal wear.
Price is for the set.
Measurements of the necklace: half length when folded circa 35cm; weight 7.2g
Measurements of the bracelet: diameter circa 4.6cm; weight 1.1g
Measurements of the earrings: length including hook circa 4.7cm; weight of the pair 1.6g
Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: From the collection of W.D. (deceased), Scotland, UK.
Condition: Fine condition, some beads are slightly chipped consistent with age. The pieces have been restrung.
In stock
Faience is a glazed ceramic known for producing bright colours, especially blues, turquoises and greens. It is produced from quartz or sand crystals mixed with other compounds, finished with a vitreous alkaline glaze to the surface. Faience glimmers in the light and was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality. During the Predynastic period only green and blue faience occurred, however from the Old Kingdom and onwards alternative colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. The colours had different symbolisms for example, blue was thought to reflect fertility and life. Faience was manufactured into amulets and jewellery, the substance was used to create scarabs, furniture and cups.
To find out more about the use of faience in Ancient Egyptian culture please see our other relevant blog post: What is Egyptian Faience?