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Amethyst Necklace
Amethyst Necklace
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Amethyst Necklace

Dateabout 2030–1650 BCE, Middle Kingdom
Mediumamethyst
Dimensions27 cm (10 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
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
Amethyst necklace
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom
Amethyst necklace
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom
Cravat Pin with an Amethyst Scarab
Ancient Egyptian
scarab: Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE; gold mount: modern
black background
Ancient Egyptian
possibly Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE; gold mount: modern
black background
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Scarab
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Scarab
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Scarab
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Scarab
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Scarab
Ancient Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE