The Surprising Story Behind Egyptian Cartouche Jewelry
If you have been looking at cultural jewelry or pieces that have a historic flare to them you may have noticed a certain style popping up. The style of jewelry usually involves a pendant or ring in the shape of an oval. Inside the oval is a series of images. Some are birds, some are animals and others are people. Each icon has a specific meaning. Put inside an oval cartouche, they can make striking accent pieces for anyone to wear. Here is what you need to know about buying Egyptian cartouche jewelry.
Most ancient civilizations had a written language of some sort. Some were more complex than others. Different civilizations had differing amounts of written materials that they left behind. In the case of ancient Egypt, there were massive amounts of written materials for historians to look over. The problem was that the symbols, known as hieroglyphics, were totally different than any written language system that historians were familiar with. Then, a break came and the secret meaning of the symbols was unleashed. It was no wonder that shortly after, even non-historians became interested and began to want to know more about Egyptian written language.
In many cases, there were areas where symbols were encased by ovals. These oval shapes usually had a straight line drawn at one end. It was surprising for historians to learn that the shape, known as a cartouche, was used to enclose a name. Most were the names of royalty but other formal names of important people were also enclosed by these oval shapes.
As interest in Egypt's history grew, it was no wonder that people started wanting to experiment with hieroglyphics. There was also a growth in learning how to write them and people began wanting to display their own names surrounded by cartouches and written in hieroglyphics. It was no wonder that jewelry featuring these symbols became easier to find.
Of course, not all pieces are created equal. Some may not use the right symbols to spell out names or other words. Others may not be durable enough to wear on a regular basis. You need to decide what kind of piece you are looking for. Whether it is earrings, pendants or even rings you should be able to find durable items that have the correct meaning.
With any foreign language, it can be difficult to make sure you are getting words spelled properly or laid out correctly. It makes it even more difficult when you are dealing with a system that is made up entirely of symbols. It took years of research and experimentation before the first translations were made. By working with a reputable website or book you have a better chance of getting the right symbols that have the meaning you are looking for.
It's always important when buying precious metal pieces online that you deal with sites that have a good reputation. You want to make sure that you are getting the metal purity you pay for. Just remember that if gold is more pure, it is more expensive. Unfortunately, it also means that it is softer as well and may not be as suitable for making pieces like these jewelry pieces.
You always want to check your information before finalizing any jewelry design. These are custom pieces and because of this, you often cannot return or exchange them once you have approved a particular design. By using reputable sources for information you stand a better chance of getting accurate symbols in your piece. After that, you can wear any piece you commission proudly and happily.
Most ancient civilizations had a written language of some sort. Some were more complex than others. Different civilizations had differing amounts of written materials that they left behind. In the case of ancient Egypt, there were massive amounts of written materials for historians to look over. The problem was that the symbols, known as hieroglyphics, were totally different than any written language system that historians were familiar with. Then, a break came and the secret meaning of the symbols was unleashed. It was no wonder that shortly after, even non-historians became interested and began to want to know more about Egyptian written language.
In many cases, there were areas where symbols were encased by ovals. These oval shapes usually had a straight line drawn at one end. It was surprising for historians to learn that the shape, known as a cartouche, was used to enclose a name. Most were the names of royalty but other formal names of important people were also enclosed by these oval shapes.
As interest in Egypt's history grew, it was no wonder that people started wanting to experiment with hieroglyphics. There was also a growth in learning how to write them and people began wanting to display their own names surrounded by cartouches and written in hieroglyphics. It was no wonder that jewelry featuring these symbols became easier to find.
Of course, not all pieces are created equal. Some may not use the right symbols to spell out names or other words. Others may not be durable enough to wear on a regular basis. You need to decide what kind of piece you are looking for. Whether it is earrings, pendants or even rings you should be able to find durable items that have the correct meaning.
With any foreign language, it can be difficult to make sure you are getting words spelled properly or laid out correctly. It makes it even more difficult when you are dealing with a system that is made up entirely of symbols. It took years of research and experimentation before the first translations were made. By working with a reputable website or book you have a better chance of getting the right symbols that have the meaning you are looking for.
It's always important when buying precious metal pieces online that you deal with sites that have a good reputation. You want to make sure that you are getting the metal purity you pay for. Just remember that if gold is more pure, it is more expensive. Unfortunately, it also means that it is softer as well and may not be as suitable for making pieces like these jewelry pieces.
You always want to check your information before finalizing any jewelry design. These are custom pieces and because of this, you often cannot return or exchange them once you have approved a particular design. By using reputable sources for information you stand a better chance of getting accurate symbols in your piece. After that, you can wear any piece you commission proudly and happily.
Comments
Post a Comment