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
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
