As the dominant culture of their time, the ancient Egyptians still influence us today. Necklaces reflecting their ancient, powerful culture are quite popular.

Ancient Egypt has been a source of intrigue and attention since the first archaeologists found the Pharaoh's tombs. People have been astonished by the beautiful and intricate hieroglyphics, the gold jewelry and the elaborate mummification rituals used by this long gone culture. Egyptian jewelry is especially popular, because many people who are interested in this culture want to be able to wear a bit of the ancient past.

Egyptian necklaces can come in a number of styles. Some people prefer to wear Egyptian jewelry that is inspired by actual pieces found in tombs. These pieces can feature some of the gods and goddesses of the time, such as Osiris (god of the dead and afterlife) and Isis, his wife. Others featured the cat, the most revered animal in the Egyptian kingdom. Another popular creature seen on Egyptian necklaces is the scarab. This is a depiction of the dung beetle, considered to be a sacred insect and creature in the sandy desert of Egypt. These scarabs were often carved into the precious stones of the area, or cast in metal to represent their worth.

The materials used to create Egyptian jewelry varied greatly, depending on the area that it was crafted in and the person that the piece was made for. Some Egyptian jewelry was created from fine metals, such as silver, and especially gold. These pieces were not made for the average Egyptian, but instead they were destined to be given to the wealthiest citizens. Other, everyday pieces were carved from local stones and other materials. One popular stone found in Egypt that is still in use today is turquoise.

A final type of Egyptian necklaces that are seen in shops today are hieroglyphic necklaces. These necklaces aren't true to the original designs found in ancient Egypt, but they are based on the decorations and language of that time. Many people choose to get a hieroglyph necklace with their name on it, or that of their child or lover. These necklaces are usually custom made to order, out of either silver or gold, and can be ordered from a number of sources. Bracelets and earrings can also be found in this motif.

Getting Egyptian necklaces isn't as hard as it sounds. There are many places devoted to recreating the beauty of this ancient culture - from jewelry to house wares. If you are interested in Egyptian themed goods, there are many to choose from. Just be aware that many "authentic" ancient Egyptian items are fakes, so be wary of sellers claiming to have these things.