|
Juergen Stryjak
Note: Juergen is currently on a journey to the Sinai gathering
information. This month's shopping review has been compiled by
staff members.
18 karat gold, lapis lazuli, and black enamel
1" x 3/4" beetle, 2 1/4" diameter
22nd Dynasty, reign of Shoshenq II, Tanis, c.890 BC
The original bracelet is in the permanent collection of the Cairo
Museum.
This simple, yet elegant bracelet was originally worn by Shoshenq
II. Made of gold it depicts a papyrus reed at the ends. Black enamel outlines the papyrus design. Between the
papyrus ends is a lapis lazuli scarab fixed in a gold mount.
Egyptians are famous for their jewelry, and
probably have been throughout history. Examples are abundant on
statues and paintings or reliefs of queens, but also any number of
noble and even common women. Jewelry was used for adornment,
protection as in amulets, and of course, as symbols of status. In
fact, the worlds oldest known surviving jewelry is said to have
been found on an Egyptian Queen Zer, a bracelet made from
turquoise and gold. Jewelry was often made of gold, but somewhat
later, silver was used. Besides turquoise, which was mined
early on in the Sinai, other popular stones included lapis lazuli,
and carnelian, and amethyst.
Fatamid Era Jewelry
The jewelry craze did not stop with the ancient
Egyptians. When the  Arabs came to town, they bought with them a
wide range of jewelry which, while different then the ancient
Egyptian designs, nevertheless were beautiful and unique in their
own way. The
Arabs have always been great designers, and today, Arabic jewelry
remains timelessly elegant, often with impressive calligraphy and arabesque
designs.
In Egypt, jewelry might be broken down into
several categories. These might consist of:
Cheap Jewelry
This includes both jewelry for tourists and
Egyptians, which often consists of Bedouin designs made from
silver and less precious metals. One may find this throughout
Egypt, in both tourist establishments as well as shops that deal
with the local populous, though these are often not jewelry
stores. More often then not, they are stores that sell a variety
of Arabic items. Some of the better items are sold through stores
owned by the craftsman who make the jewelry. This type of jewelry
can usually be purchased for well under $10 USD.
 Tourist Jewelry
The most common jewelry that is pushed to
tourists are slightly more expensive, made from either gold or
silver. Usually, this jewelry has a pharaonic design, such as the
ever popular cartouch and "head of Nefitari pendents. This
type of jewelry can by purchased all over the Internet, but
usually well above the price that one may pay in Egypt. In Egypt,
almost every single jewelry store carries some form of tourist
jewelry, so it may be found at your hotel, the Khan, and just
about anywhere else. The cost
of this type of jewelry in Egypt may range anywhere from
approximately $15 to $250 USD, those considering the variety
available, pieces might be found for somewhat less, and occasionally,
a great deal more.
Tourist Jewelry - Fine Antiquity Reproductions
For an example of a fine reproduction, see the
image at the top of the page, which is not really an artifact at
all, but a carefully made reproduction of an actual piece. Normal tourist jewelry is rarely made to
exacting details as reproductions of actual jewelry from Egypt's
antiquity, and in fact, most of it bares no resemblance to actual
historical pieces. However, a few jewelers to make such
reproductions, which are generally very expensive, and for good
reason. Most use massive amounts of gold with setting stones that
match the actual museum piece. Frankly, this type of jewelry may
probably be found just as easily outside of Egypt as in Egypt,
though it is likely to be less expensive if found in Egypt.
Mostly, this type of jewelry is found in some of the finest
jewelry stores, and a few locations in the Khan el-Khalili. Look
for prices beginning in the $250 USD range with an upper limit in
excess of $5,000 USD.
Regular Egyptian Jewelry
Regular, or non tourist jewelry can really be
broken down into two types of jewelry, consisting of very normal
items which might be found anywhere in the world, and items more
unique to the Middle East. And as elsewhere in the world, the
price range varies from under $100 USD on up.
Ordinary
By ordinary, we mean jewelry that might be purchased by an
Egyptian in Egypt, or people anywhere else in the world in their
local jewelry store. However, due to exchange rates and the high
competition of many jewelry stores in Egypt, bargains may be
easily found. Gold and silver jewelry is often sold almost
strictly by weight.
Arabic and Egyptian
Lapis Lazuli & Silver Pendant
From the Nomad Gallery
14, Saraya Al Gezira, 1st Floor
Amalek, Cairo
The Egyptians are very fine jewelers, and some of their modern,
non-tourist jewelry is elegant and even inspired, not to mention
unusual. This jewelry often discourages the use of diamonds in
favor of larger, more exotic stones, and the striking result can
be fantastic.
The Above two examples are from the Sheba
Gallary
6 Sri Lanka St., Zamalek, Cairo
|
