Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Jewelry Lessons and Tutorials: Jewelrylessons.com

JewelryLessons.com is a great resource for crafters who are interested in advancing their skills in jewelry making.  An entire section on the website is devoted to DIY tutorials and patterns. You can search for specific tutorials based on the level of difficulty, type of jewelry you want to design, rating level, or jewelry techniques below:
  • Wire wrapping
  • Hand hammering (silversmith)
  • Bead weaving with thread or wire 
  • Polymer or metal clay
  • Polishing or finishing stones, charms, or rings 
  • Surface embellishment with pendants, bracelets, or rings
  • Using string and fiber
  • Metalsmith
  • Men's Jewelry

Monday, October 20, 2014

Ancient Egyptian Jewelry of Nefertiti



Queen Nefertiti was the wife of Egyptian Pharaoh, Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV). She reigned for 12 years with her husband during the 18th dynasty, 14th century B.C. Nefertiti and her husband transferred the religion of Egyptian society from polytheism to monotheism. They crafted a cult that worshiped one god: Aten, the Egyptian Sun God. Researchers believe that this disruption in religious beliefs caused hostility among people in ancient Egyptian society. Nefertiti's death is unknown and not specified in historical records because her mummy (body) was not found in any tombs. However, she is regarded as one of the most powerful female rulers of Egypt.










Gold Ring of Queen Nefertiti and King Akhenaten




















 Gold scarab and ring with Nefertiti's name inscribed on it



Egyptian necklace (collar)




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Friday, October 17, 2014

Women's History: Ancient Egyptian Jewelry of Queen Hatshepsut - First Female Pharaoh



The first female pharaoh of Egypt was Hatshepsut, who reigned between 1473 - 1458 B. C during the New Kingdom, 18th dynasty. She was the longest running female pharaoh in the Egyptian Empire.





 








Ring with name inscription of Hatshepsut and her nephew, Thutmose III. They reigned together during the early 18th Dynasty, 1472 - 1458 B.C.

 




Scarab Pin

  













  

Above are amulets made of copper, steatite, alabaster and amethyst (crystal known for spirituality and gaining psychic awareness)



This ear artifact is an amulet, similar to a charm or pendant. It was known as a 'hearing ear' because Egyptians believe that their gods and goddesses could ear and reply to their prayers. 



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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Ancient Jewelry: King Tut of Ancient Egypt


Antiquity jewelry and ancient earrings from the Egyptian civilization. Jewelry pieces shown below were worn by King Tutankhamun during his reign of power, 1336-1327 BCE. Many gold rings, bangles, bracelets, collars, and earrings were  found in King Tut's tomb. Did you know King Tut only ruled Egypt for 10 years and then died at age 19?
 

Gold Bangle with Lapis Lazuli




Wesekh Collar (necklace)

Gold Ring from King Tut's tomb. Wire Wrapped band with lapis lazuli (blue gemstone) and symbol of the God Horus.











 

Gold and Enamel Earrings  

 

 

 

 

Jewelry found in King Tut's Tomb. Researchers believe that the gemstone (yellow-green) in the middle was made from a comet 28 million years ago. Click to read the article

 

 

 

Below is a collar worn by King Tut. Made of papyrus, olive leaves, persea leaves, berries, and red dyed linen fabric.






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Sunday, October 12, 2014

Ancient Greek Jewelry: History of Earrings


Greek Jewelry contains pure gold and gemstones such as garnet, agate, emeralds, and pearls. Hellenistic jewelry includes bangles, bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants and armbands. Handcrafted earrings from Ancient Greece. Craft your own project at home. Get inspired start a project by mimicking earrings from historical times. Teach yourself how to make antiquity jewelry by wire wrapping using gold and silver plated wire.  Why not give it a try?



Gold Earrings of Nike, Greek Goddess of Victory.  
225-175 B.C.

  




Gold and Garnet Dangling Earrings

2nd - 3rd Century B.C.










Large Dangling Gold Earrings with Discs
300 B.C.

Hellenistic Period








 
 






 
Gold Earrings
100 - 50 B.C.



  

          Gold and Garnet Earrings 
4th Century B.C.
 
                   Gold Earrings with Discs                              
                   3rd - 4th Century B.C. 


Pair of Gold Earrings
3rd - 4th Century B.C.

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