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 was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality and is thought to glimmer with the brilliance of eternity. During the predynastic period only green and blue faience occurred, however from the Old Kingdom onward, other colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. Amulets hold different meanings and are considered to bestow power and protection on the wearer. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the heart, rather than the brain was the source of human wisdom, as well as emotions, memory and personality.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian necklaces, please see our relevant blogs: Amulets and their Meanings and What is Egyptian Faience?
