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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
