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
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 viewCollections
Ancient Egyptian
scarab: Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE; gold mount: modern
Ancient Egyptian
possibly Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE; gold mount: modern