Ancient Greek Jewelry from Mycenaean Period

Who doesn’t like owning jewelry? There must be at least one piece, in the simplest of simplest form like finger ring stacked away in the bundled up belongings by every individual. And this fascination or love for jewelry exists from time immemorial. My visit to National Archaeological Museum in Athens provided deep insight into ancient Greek Jewelry, especially Mycenaean Jewelry.

Ancient Greek jewelry serves as a testament to the profound cultural exchange and influence that characterized the era. Inspired by civilizations like the Romans, Assyrians, and Egyptians, the Ancient Greeks infused their fashion and jewelry with a mosaic of diverse styles and techniques. This cultural amalgamation is particularly evident in the adoption of precious stones such as topaz, amethyst, and aquamarine, reflecting the influence of Roman aesthetics.

Ancient Greek Jewelry

However, Ancient Greek jewelry goes beyond mere adornment; it serves as a symbolic language, conveying the elevated status of gods, goddesses, and significant historical events. Through intricate filigree techniques, picturesque pendants, and meticulous granule work, the Ancient Greeks crafted jewelry as visual narratives of divine reverence and historical reverence.

Significance of Ancient Jewelry

Delving deeper, the significance of jewelry in any ancient society unveils a multifaceted tapestry of meaning. It wasn’t merely about embellishment; it was a reflection of societal values, religious beliefs, and cultural identity. Jewelry symbolized status, power, and allegiance to the gods, embodying the essence of Greek civilization.

Same was the case in Ancient Greek jewelry. They play the role to unravel the intricate threads of history, mythology, and craftsmanship that intertwine within each piece. It offers a glimpse into a world where beauty was intertwined with meaning, where adornment transcended the superficial to become a language of reverence and expression.

Various combinations of different objects, some precious some very ordinary, have been used since ancient times to create stunning designs which can give the modern day designers a run for their money.

Ancient Greek Necklace

Gold jewels in National Archaeological Museum in Athens

Ancient Greek earrings

Use of Jewelry since Ancient Times

Jewelry has always been an inseparable part of every culture in world. Reason for that most likely is the urge to express and decorate our individuality with it.  Right from Neanderthals age men or and women have expressed this symbolic thinking.

However, jewelry wasn’t for pure adornment and enhancing looks. They had other serious uses and meanings. Head gears, like crowns, especially indicated the social status. Finger rings too have been found in graves. Probably they indicated marital status like they do today. Jewelry was also used to express their religious beliefs.

Jewelry with beads

Ancient Greek style Jewelry in Museum of Mycenae Argolis Greece

Some time back I had visited the museum of Mycenae in Argolis Greece. They have such amazing very huge and interesting collection of remains from Mycenaean period, approximately 1600–1100 BC. Mycenaean civilization was the first advanced civilization of mainland Greece. The remains of their palatial states are a proof of that. Strangely this glorious period ended and was followed by Greek Dark Ages. Several theories have been attributed to this.

Construction of this museum began in 1985 and was finally completed in 2003. Exhibits in museum of Mycenae include findings from excavations all over the ancient site of Mycenae and the region around.

National Archaeological Museum in Athens too has several displays from this period. Most of them belong to periods from the Copper Period of around 3000BC up to the Hellenistic time in the 2nd century BC.

Ancient Greek style Jewelry – Semi precious stones National Archaeological Museum in Athens

Traditional Greek Jewellery

Anyways I have focused on something that interested me more – the traditional jewellery worn by women of Mycenaean period. Here I have some pictures of exhibits of ancient jewelry in museums of Greece. All these jewelry belong to Mycenaean period which was the last phase of Bronze Age in Ancient Greece. The time period is between 1600 – 1100BC.

Some of these jewelry pieces might have been used by men too. They were for adorning and for social status. Precious materials were for noble class. The inscriptions reveal that these were worn by bureaucratic staff during court ceremonial and administrative functions.

Jewels with semi precious stones and ancient Greek gem stones  in National Archaeological Museum in Athens

To understand specifically about the beautiful ancient jewelry pieces of Greece on display in different museums of Greece I had to dig up a bit about history of Greece.

Greek Goddess Jewelry

Ancient Greek jewelry encapsulates a profound reverence for the celestial realm, where deities like Zeus, Aether, and Helios reign supreme. The Ancient Grecians, in their devout worship, sought to immortalize these sky deities through the artistry of jewelry, weaving intricate tales of divinity into each adornment. For instance, Selene, the ethereal goddess of the moon, found homage in crescent earrings. These Greek Goddess jewelry is adorned with delicate granule work, symbolizing the eternal dance of night and day.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Ancient Greek jewellery served as a tangible reflection of wealth, status, and refined taste. In a society where jewellery was both opulent and scarce, its possession signaled not only material affluence but also social standing. The craftsmanship and materials involved in creating these adornments spoke volumes about the wearer’s prominence in society.

I was wonderstruck to read up that much of the world’s Ancient Greek jewellery has been unearthed from funerary graves! The Ancient Grecians believed fervently in the afterlife, viewing their jewelry as indispensable companions for the journey beyond. The placement of jewelry in burial sites underscores its enduring importance, as these precious ornaments were intended to accompany the departed into eternity.

Luckily, the buried exotic accessory have been preserved. This Ancient Greek jewellery provides a window into the rich tapestry of Greek culture, offering insights into their beliefs, values, and artistic sensibilities. Each piece establishes a link to a bygone era, where beauty and symbolism converged to create objects of timeless allure.

Here is a carousel of pictures of Ancient Greek earrings, necklaces, Greek bracelets, Greek rings and more.

Wealthy tombs had textiles decorated with gold attachments, gold jewelry, beads of semi precious stones and glass paste. The ornate dresses reveal the important role played by women in religious activities and their special status in society. The graves of men had more weapons than jewels.

Jewellery of cheaper materials were worn by majority of people, the simple civilians.

Jewellery of Old Civilizations

Earliest objects used for jewellery were beads made from shells of a sea snail called Nassarius. These are around 110,000 years old!

A chance discovery of stone bracelet in human remains had astounding tales to tell. When layers of soil deposited on it were removed and the piece examined it dated to somewhere around 40,000 years old.

Mesopotamian ancient jewlery was made on thin sheets of metal, set with variously colored gems. The oldest pieces saved from the Royal Cemetery of Ur, date to as early as 2900 BC.

Ancient Egyptians wore jewelry depicting the Scarab beetle. They believed it had strong religious properties and symbolized rebirth.

Pomegranate since ancient times symbolized sanctity, fertility, and abundance.

Gold beads resembling pomegranates

Imitation of Ancient Greek Jewelry

Modern jewelry statements are varied and nearly equally interesting as the ancient jewelry, but old is old and ancient is even more precious! The make and designs are very different and given a chance we all would like to imitate the ancient jewelry for pure joy. Agree?

I checked my own collection of jewelry and happened to find similar designs in terracotta jewelry. Have a look at this. Purely by chance, but they are similar aren’t they?!

Imitation of ancient jewelry

FAQ questions and answers for my blog on Ancient Greek jewelry:

What materials were commonly used in Ancient Greek jewelry?

Ancient Greek jewelry was crafted using a variety of materials including gold, silver, bronze, and sometimes precious gem stones such as amethyst, topaz, and aquamarine.

What significance did jewelry hold in Ancient Greek society?

Jewelry in Ancient Greece symbolized status, wealth, and religious devotion. It also served as a means of self-expression and was often associated with important events and rituals.

How were Ancient Greek jewelry designs influenced by other cultures?

Ancient Greek jewelry designs were influenced by various cultures including the Romans, Egyptians, and Assyrians. These influences can be seen in the use of specific motifs, techniques, and materials.

What role did mythology play in Ancient Greek jewelry?

Mythology played a significant role in Ancient Greek jewelry, with many pieces depicting scenes from Greek mythology or honoring gods and goddesses through symbolic motifs and designs.

Where have most Ancient Greek jewelry pieces been found?

The majority of Ancient Greek jewelry has been discovered in archaeological sites such as funerary graves, temples, and ancient cities throughout Greece and the Mediterranean region.

How were Ancient Greek jewelry pieces crafted?

Ancient Greek jewelry was often handcrafted by skilled artisans using techniques such as filigree, granulation, and repoussé. These methods required meticulous attention to detail and often resulted in intricate designs.

What types of jewelry were commonly worn by Ancient Greeks?

Common types of Ancient Greek jewelry included earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and hair ornaments. These pieces varied in design and significance depending on the wearer’s gender, social status, and occasion.

Did Ancient Greek men wear jewelry as well?

Yes, Ancient Greek men also wore jewelry, although their adornments were generally simpler compared to those worn by women. Men often wore rings, bracelets, and decorative pins as symbols of status and masculinity.

How has Ancient Greek jewelry influenced modern-day jewelry design?

The elegance and sophistication of Ancient Greek jewelry continue to inspire modern-day jewelry designers. Elements such as intricate patterns, symbolic motifs, and the use of precious metals and gemstones are often incorporated into contemporary designs.

What is the significance of jewelry in Ancient Greek burial customs?

Jewelry played a crucial role in Ancient Greek burial customs, with many individuals being buried with their most prized adornments. It was believed that these pieces would accompany the deceased into the afterlife, reflecting the importance of jewelry in both life and death.

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