Approximate Measurements: 50mm tall x 15~18mm wide x 13mm thick.
Across the ancient world, there are a number of pieces that would have been worn by their owners for the sake of protection, primarily amulets. Jewellery of this apotropaic (meaning to supposedly have the power to avert evil influences or bad luck) nature usually took the form of pendants.
The information we have on these is a bit sketchy, but they are old, authentic pieces from Egypt, circa 1960s.
Our amulets have been made by hand carving Faience, which is a handmade clay - one of the oldest techniques of clay ever made - and they are then covered in a glaze. They were made during the Egyptian revival period. circa 1960s. Around the 1920s archaeological discoveries such as the excavation of the pyramids in Giza sparked new interest in Egyptian jewellery.
About these beads --- Ancient faience beads were made from a non-clay based ceramic of quartz and sand, the oldest known artificial substance, used in Egypt five and a half thousand years ago. The ceramic was rolled or calved then glazed before being fired.
Modern faience --- is made from crushed soapstone which results in a smoother finish than the ancient version. Although, you will note from the photos that the beads are still pretty rough and ready!
