When I was 12, I visited the British Museum in London with my mother for the first time and was immediately fascinated by the Egyptian collection. The surviving sarcophagi, jewelry and more were impressive and piqued my interest in ancient Egyptian culture . Years later, in 2016, I returned to London with my mother and we revisited the British Museum. As a trained goldsmith and designer, I saw the world of jewelery from a new angle and was once again fascinated by the delicacy and special character of pieces of jewellery.
For me, jewelery is a way of understanding the world and its history - a unique diary that will last forever thanks to the outstanding quality of gold.
In my own creations, too, I keep finding antique elements that fascinate me. The British Museum in London is something special and full of inspiration, you can literally feel the art. Walking through the exhibition rooms again, I was transported into a world of beauty and splendor that captivated my mind and captured my imagination. The collection was an incredible resource for me as an art lover and provided a unique insight into the history of human culture.
The Egyptian jewelry collection was of particular interest to me as I have always been fascinated by ancient Egyptian civilisation. The jewelry offered insights into the daily life, religion and art of the ancient Egyptians. I was struck by the importance that jewelry held in this society. Not only were they considered works of art, but also talismans to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. It was also a status symbol, reflecting a person's social rank.
I especially remember the necklace of scarabs that drew me in. The chain consisted of 170 green scarabs mounted on gold plates. It was amazing to see how the Egyptians considered these bugs sacred and often used them in jewelry.
The scarab is a sacred animal in Egyptian culture and plays an important role in the history of ancient jewelry. In ancient Egypt, the scarab was revered as a symbol of the sun, rebirth and creation. It was often worn as an amulet to bring protection and good luck. The scarab has also been incorporated into many pieces of jewellery, including bangles, rings, pendants and necklaces. Some of the oldest known pieces of scarab jewelry date back to the 1st dynasty of ancient Egypt and were made of faience or stone.
The shape of the scarab has often been replicated in pieces of jewellery, and some of the pieces have been designed to open up to reveal an inscription or image on the inside. These pieces of jewelry were often worn as seals or as personal amulets.
During the reign of Amenhotep III. the scarab became an important element in royal jewelery making. Egyptian jewelers created stunning pieces of jewelery featuring a variety of scarabs set in gold, silver and precious stones. These jewels were often worn by the royal family and high officials.
Today, scarab jewelry is still very popular and is made by jewelers around the world. The scarab has a unique meaning, symbolizing protection, good luck and rebirth. Its influence on jewelry making dates back to ancient times, and its shape and symbolism are still used in many pieces of jewelry today.
I could only imagine how beautiful this necklace must have looked on an Egyptian princess. Another highlight of the Egyptian jewelry collection was the "Treasure of Tutankhamun" and other burial objects of the pharaohs. The collection of jewelry found in the tombs of the pharaohs is simply breathtaking. I couldn't believe how well preserved these pieces were and how artful they were made. I was particularly impressed by the gold jewelry the simplicity and intricacy in a clarity with the hyrogliefs is unique. A small signet ring caught my eye. They are truly majestic pieces of jewellery.
In addition to the Egyptian jewelry collection, the British Museum also had an extensive collection of ancient jewelry from Greece, Rome and the Mediterranean region. I was amazed at the variety and beauty of these pieces. A notable example was a "Granulated Gold Jewelry Bead" found in ca. 2500 BC. was made. . I couldn't believe a piece of jewelry from so ancient a time was still in such good condition. As well as a large collection of gold coins.
Overall, the jewelery collection at the British Museum London has given me a deep appreciation and inspiration as a goldsmith and designer . I was particularly fascinated by the Egyptian and ancient jewelery collection, as it tells a unique story and represents a valuable legacy of our past. The scarab as a sacred animal and its use in many pieces of jewelry is just one example of the meaning and symbolism embedded in antique jewelry.
For me jewelry is more than just an accessory. It is a form of art that gives us the opportunity to understand the world and its history in a unique and valuable way. The jewelery collection at the British Museum London is a treasure that allows us to step back in time and be inspired by the beauty and importance of antique jewellery.
I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit the jewelery collection at the British Museum London and see the treasures from a new perspective. The fascination and appreciation for antique jewelry that I discovered as a child is still present today and drives me to design new creations that reflect both the beauty and meaning of antique jewelry. I'm looking forward to visiting London with my daughter and showing her this wonderful museum and this fascinating city.
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