MajorsDec 12, 2022
Archaeologists Uncover 1,300-Year-Old Necklace at Medieval Burial SiteCollectionsDec 28, 2022
Archaeologists Discover 3,300-Year-Old Egyptian Jewelry
A team of Egyptian and English researchers found the jewels in the Tell El-Amarna necropolis.
This ring, believed to be more than 3,300 years old, was one of the jewels archaeologists uncovered in Egypt while excavating an ancient burial ground.
Minya, Egypt—Archaeologists in Egypt uncovered jewelry believed to be more than 3,300 years old while excavating an ancient burial ground, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently announced.
A team of Egyptian and English researchers discovered the resting place of a young woman while exploring the northern section of the Tell El-Amarna necropolis, located on the eastern bank of the Nile River.
She was wearing a beaded gold necklace and three rings made of gold and soapstone.
SEE: The Ancient Egyptian Jewels Researchers Found
This ring is decorated with an image of Bes, an Egyptian god that served as a protector of pregnant women and children.
This ring was one of three found at the Tell El-Amarna necropolis.
Archaeologists also found this necklace with hollow gold beads resembling flower petals.
The researchers are part of the Amarna project, a joint venture between the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the University of Cambridge in England. The team works to explore the area and preserve it, recording and sharing their observations with the public.
Built in 1346 BC, the necropolis where the young woman was discovered was the sacred burial ground for the city of Amarna, which was the capital city under Pharaoh Akhenaten, the 10th ruler of the late Eighteenth Dynasty, said the Egyptian ministry.
Originally named Amenhotep IV, the pharaoh changed his name after introducing Atenism, a religion that focused on worshiping sun god Aten. Some historians call him the “heretic king” because Atenism was a far cry from the civilization’s traditional polytheistic religions.
“The jewelry was found on the body of a young adult female,” said Anna Stevens, assistant director of the Amarna project and a member of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, in an email to National Jeweler.
“We are still doing our follow-up research after the excavations, but will be publishing a preliminary report in 2023. The cemetery is not exclusively for women, but was used by males and females of a range of ages, from infants through to older adults. The cemetery has both simple pit graves and some larger shaft-and-chamber tombs, suggesting it was used by ‘lower’ to ‘middle’ class individuals.”
One of the rings found in the woman’s tomb features Bes, the ancient Egyptian god of childbirth and fertility as well as humor and war. He primarily served as a protector of pregnant women and children and is usually portrayed as a dwarf with large ears, long hair, and a beard.
Another ring, featured at the top of the article, is decorated with hieroglyphic symbols that read, “the lady of the two lands,” according to Gamal El-Samastawy, director general of antiquities of Central Egypt.
The area where the excavation took place includes 25 tombs of senior statesmen and priests, carved in the mountains. The tombs are engraved with religious imagery related to Atenism.
The discovery follows a similar jewelry find by the Museum of London Archaeology, announced last week. Archaeologists discovered an ornate gold necklace believed to be more than 1,300 years old at a burial site in the U.K.
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
