Egyptian Treasure: Archaeologists Find Fashionable Jewelry in Ancient Tomb

The Luxor area outside of Cairo, Egypt, is world renowned for its impressive Valley of the Kings and for the multiple fascinating treasures that have been dug up in the region over the years. From ornate burial accoutrements to important hieroglyphic writings and other artifacts, the items found beneath the sand at Luxor have enchanted the human imagination and taught us much about the lives and practices of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
This week, the stock of salvaged ancient goods was revitalized by a find from a Spanish team of archaeologists digging at the site of Dra Abu El-Naga on the west bank of the Nile River. In the burial chambers of Djehuty, the overseer of the treasury under Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's greatest rulers and one of very few females to be charged with the job, the archaeologists found five gold earrings and two gold rings.
Possibly belonging to his wife or other members of his family, the goods are indicative of Djehuty's high social and political rank as well as what would have been a privileged ability to own luxurious items. Gold jewellery is certainly a prized find among archaeologists, but it is far more greedily coveted by grave robbers. Evidence of looting appears throughout Djehuty's burial chambers, but the jewelry, along with descriptive wall paintings complete with hieroglyphics and a ceiling mural depicting the night goddess Nut, remained intact.
While many people can openly claim to have great stores of antique jewelry in their collections, many of which are richly ornamented with costume jewelry from bygone eras, the newly discovered pieces have quite a few years on Grandma's crystal brooches. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt for twenty one years, ending in 1458 BCE, making the gold earrings and rings approximately three and a half thousand years old.
The veteran pieces will likely get a nice polishing from local curators and be studied further to ascertain what they have to tell us about Djehuty, Hatshepsut, and their time in ancient Egypt. After which, with any luck, they'll be put on display or sent to a circuit of museums for public view (though we can't quite see them being rented out for Oscar's night).
In the meantime, there's no need for a trowel and a degree in digging to get your hands on elegant gold jewelry worthy of a queen. Stepping out in classic style is as simple and affordable as reaching for gold costume jewellery, which takes the forms of its more costly cousins and reproduces all the right looks in materials that won't run the treasury dry.
For a refined and unusual yet undeniably fashionable look, gold jewelry sets make statements that will last millennia. With simple shapes and smooth textures, a gold pendant and earring set bedecked with Swarovski crystals blends drama and definition:




Cuffs are evocative of the styles of ancient Egypt and make bold impressions in golden tones:

Making a Pair: Celebs Don Matching Jewelry Pieces

Giving the gift of jewellery to a friend or loved one has been a traditional expression of appreciation and love since mankind began crafting wearable adornments. There is a bevy of annual holidays that seem to call for such gifts, from Valentine's and birthdays to Christmas and anniversaries. Even one of the most important lifetime events -- a wedding engagement and ceremony -- incorporates the gift of jewelry. With all of these appropriate occasions and cues to slip a ring or necklace on your loved one, you've got to admit it's a good thing that not every piece is made for burning a hole in your wallet.
Costume jewelry lets the act of giving stud earrings, charm necklaces, bangle bracelets, fashion rings, and even accessories like belts and bag charms be an affordable and fun process, saving expensive designer pieces for more traditional affairs. And one of the best ways to enjoy the accessibility of costume jewelry is to mix and match collections, especially when it comes to adorning yourself and that certain someone special. Matching pieces for friends or lovers is a meaningful way to bond through jewelry, keeping a kindred spirit close at heart in a subtle way (though if you're comfortable wearing full-fledged matching outfits, more power to you) while creating a stylish and synchronised look.
Though the thoughtful and emotional components of shared jewelry matching reach beyond the scope of a fad, it has become a growing trend among Hollywood's hotlist. Perhaps a little disillusioned with super-expensive jewels and designs that can steal all the pizazz from even the most remarkable of designer gowns, celebrities have begun sporting matching pieces that give a firm nod towards costume jewelry's focus on attractive pieces that don't break the bank.



This week, Ace Showbiz spotted actress Camilla Belle and rumored boyfriend Joe Jonas sporting matching pieces from the Lori Lovitt collection. Belle's gold ring is complemented by her gift to Jonas, a simple yet handsome leather necklace.
Jewelry gifts don't have to be all about big stones and jaw-dropping price tags. You can travel back to the roots of why we give jewelry to our loved ones in the first place by exploring options for jewelry matching starting with some affordable costume pieces. In keeping with Belle and Jonas' leather theme, check out this rugged yet fashionable men's leather bracelet, paired with a classy yet creative leather flower corsage in matching tones and textures:





And when shopping for a grown-up version of the age-old “best friends forever” jewelry, look into classic combination sets, which do all the pairing work for you. Share your style along with your affection and make your next jewellery gift a perfect match.