Amethyst Necklace

Culture Ancient Egyptian

Dateabout 2030–1650 BCE, Middle Kingdom

Mediumamethyst

Dimensions27 cm (10 5/8 in.)

ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories

Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection

Terms

amethyst

Object number1925.640

Label TextAmethyst was a fashionable stone during the Middle Kingdom and Ptolemaic Period. However, it was not part of the trio of stones (carnelian, lapis lazuli, and turquoise/amazonite) that held symbolic significance for the Egyptians, an attitude that probably limited its use. Mined in the Wadi el-Hudi region south-east of Aswan, the gemstone was primarily used in the fabrication of beads, amulets, miniature vessels, and small sculptures. Later Classical texts suggest that amethyst was worn to protect the wearer from drunkenness.

On View

On view

Collections