Ankh cross necklaces have been out there in different forms and styles for a while now. It might have taken some time for them to get into the limelight like they have today, but they have had a long-standing history which shows the resilience of this fashion trend.

So much is its appeal these days that even Rihanna was caught wearing a fancy one. How about we look at the origins of this symbol, what it means and what is so special about it?

Origin of the Ankh Cross

The Ankh is a sign that has been around since the invention of writing. In other words, it was one of the earliest features of the first hieroglyphic sightings in Egypt.

Across the areas and regions where it is used, it is always portrayed as a symbol that means life. Given the form and shape of the symbol, it has also been extensively interpreted by others to be the key of life.

By extension, the Ankh was also used to mean air or water in some instances. This can be best described in depictions where the deities are seen holding the sign to the nose of their pharaoh. Such depictions are interpreted as the deities giving a breath of life to the pharaoh. In the end, that ties in with the concept of life that we started with.

Throughout Egyptian mythology, this sign was always found in the hands of the deities. Either that, or it was given to them by the reigning pharaoh that time. Among all of the popular hieroglyphs, this one has sustained the test of time – making its way into western culture.

Of course, acceptance started from the African scene before it was adapted to the rest of the world in different ways.

The Ankh Cross Necklace

This symbol has already made it into different parts of human interactions (writings, religion and art, to mention but a few). Thus, it is only apt that it be adapted to fashion too. This adaptation, might we say, is one of the best things to happen to this sign.

The Ankh cross necklace is notorious for being beautiful, no matter the form in which it comes. Some of these necklaces are designed with a single cross, while others come with more details on it.

Wrap Up

Looking closely at all the Egyptian jewelry symbols, the Ankh cross can be said to be the most popular of them all when it comes to its usage in the modern world. Many objects are shaped like the sign, while others carry the insignia on them. With such a heavy history to back it, and a positive representation to boot, that is not too surprising. While they used to be reserved for royalty, today they have become surprisingly affordable.

Egyptian jewelry is well-known to be both beautiful and incredibly interesting. It is ornate, traditional and highly sought-after by historians and jewelry collectors.

Here are a few things that you probably didn’t know about Egyptian jewelry!

1. Egyptian jewelry was worn by both women and men

In ancient times, jewelry was considered a sign of wealth, prosperity and adornment and was worn by both women and men. In fact, the more jewelry you wore, the richer you were said to be!

2. Copper and gold were the most common metals

Gold and copper were the metals that were most commonly used to make Egyptian jewelry. Copper was more abundant and most of the population could therefore afford to buy jewelry made of copper. However, gold jewelry was mostly worn by the very rich and the shade of gold could be anything from bright yellow to rose gold.

3. The best jewelry was inlaid with precious stones and gems

Rich Egyptians loved to set pretty gemstones and semiprecious stones into their jewelry to make it more lavish. This is why you will often find Egyptian jewelry inlaid with pearls, turquoise, obsidian, rock crystal and garnet. It was also very fashionable for the general public to wear faience (which was a blue-green stone that was made from ground quartz and colorants).

4. The most common piece of jewelry was the necklace

Ornate necklaces were the most sought-after pieces, especially wide-collared necklaces that would be hung from the collarbone to the breast. Ancient Egyptians loved to decorate their necklaces with beads to emulate the shape of flowers or popular animals.

5. Amulets were worn to protect the wearer and give them power.

An amulet was worn by Ancient Egyptians as protection and to give them power. These were highly personalized pieces that would be carved into shapes desired by the wearer. Examples of shapes include beloved friends and family, gods, animals and symbols that were important to the wearer. It was also common practice to have special amulets made for wearing in the afterlife because funerary jewelry was very traditional during Ancient Egyptian times.