Jewels of the Pharaohs: Egyptian Jewelry of the Dynastic Period

by Cyril Aldred

Only a small amount of Egyptian jewelry has survived the ravages of time and the grave robbers, but the remnant is staggeringly beautiful. This book presents for the first time in a single volume nearly 200 priceless objects from collections all over the world. The best known example is the virtually intact tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922, but there are many other colections and individual pieces diadems, armlets, pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings, buckles, breastplates, necklaces, amulets – wrought in Nubian gold, lapis lazuli, brilliant colored faience and blood red carnelian. These opulent jeweled pieces, many modelled after organic forms such as vultures, cobras, falcons, lotus flowers, scarab beetles and winged half-human goddesses, are among the most splendid objects of Egyptian antiquity. Cyril Aldred’s lively text covers the enchanting story of each piece, including misdeeds and discoveries both ancient and modern. He explains the fascinating uses and significance of Egyptian jewels, the materials, and the techniques used to transform these materials into the exquisitely decorative trappings of wealth for kings and queens. Mr. Aldred’s text, which covers the finest pieces from every major find, is illustrated throughout with line drawings in addition to photographs, many in brilliant color, taken under special conditions in the Cairo Museum by Albert Shoucair. As one prominent Egyptologist noted, Jewels of the Pharaohs is unequalled in its comprehensiveness and destined to be a standard for generations.

Genres: Jewellery, Art, History, Nonfiction, Egypt, Egyptology, Archaeology

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Cyril Aldred was a British Egyptologist, art historian and author. He also served as the Keeper of Art and Archaeology for the Royal Scottish Museum.

Reviews

[Linniegayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite inadvertently reading the abridged version, I found this short version filled with gorgeous color plates of jewelry, and plenty of information about how jewelry was made and worn in ancient Egypt. I wish I had purchased the full version instead, and will continue to look for an affordable version of the full text.

[John Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book. It elaborates on the fine craftsmanship of jewelry making in Ancient Egypt with a series of colorful vivid photos to reference and adore.

[Amira Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب رائع ترجمة هايله وممتازة بيتكلم عن مجوهرات واستخداماتها و ازاي المصريين القدماء كانوا بيصنعوعها

[Frederic · Rating 3 out of 5]

A general popular survey, mainly just the basics of how pieces were worn, materials, and some of the symbolism and chronology -- scholars won't have much need for this one, but it's a pretty good introductory survey. Early '70s publication photography, so the color balance and sharpness of the plates is not as good as it could be, but the author was a noted Egyptologist so the information can generally be relied upon.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Ancient Egyptian jewellery. Cyril Aldred discusses how this jewellery was made and who by, the materials used, the various forms the jewellery took and for what uses it was made and worn for. The book is equipped with over 140 beautiful photographs, showing some of the less known (or less pictured) items of jewellery from Ancient Egypt. Aldred also provides a detailed commentary on each photograph.

[Georgene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE jewelry and ancient Egyptian jewelry, although not even remotely affordable to me, is at the top of my list. This book has LOTS of color photos of very lovely jewelry spanning well over 1,000 years of Egyptian history. There is about 45 pages of text and black and white photos and drawings, plus over 100 color plates with a description of each item in those plates. A feast for the eyes!

[Diana Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sourcebook

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This profusely illustrated book, which is as comfortable on a coffee table as it is on a shelf with other sourcebooks, did not disappoint me. It has photographs of pieces of jewelry that fit in with the text, and has, as well, illustrations from tombs and other sources showing how the goldsmiths worked to make the pieces.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is incredible what ancient civilizations were about to craft without the tools we have today. What especially blows my mind is the miniscule details on some of these pieces. This applies to more than just Egyptian jewelry but that is what this book is about. The photographs are amazing.

[Tarek Saleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent survey of the Egyptian jewelry