Along the Nile: Mosaic

Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli & Turquoise Strand Necklace

Some of the most extraordinary colors of ancient Egypt began with stone.

Along the Nile: Mosaic brings together natural, undyed lapis lazuli, turquoise, and carnelian in a delicate strand of faceted color, punctuated by warm gold-plated brass spacers. Deep blue gives way to desert turquoise, fiery orange-red, and flashes of gold, creating a palette inspired by the materials that appear again and again in surviving ancient Egyptian jewelry and decorative arts.

These colors were far more than an aesthetic choice. Lapis lazuli was prized despite having to travel extraordinary distances to reach Egypt. Turquoise was mined in the Sinai, while carnelian brought its translucent red-orange glow to beads, amulets, and other forms of adornment. Together, these materials helped create one of the most recognizable visual languages of the ancient world.

Rather than reproduce a historical Egyptian necklace, I wanted to take that remarkable material vocabulary and make it effortless to wear now.

At approximately 17 inches long, Mosaic sits close to the collarbone, where the small faceted gemstones catch the light without overwhelming the wearer. A 1.5-inch extender allows the length to be adjusted for different necklines or staggered when layering.

Designed to Wear Together

The Along the Nile necklaces were designed as part of the larger Ancient Egypt series, sharing the colors, gemstones, and visual language of the lotus earrings, beaded bracelets, and other pieces throughout the collection.

Each necklace was created at a complementary length so the strands can be layered together without competing for the same space. Wear Mosaic on its own, pair it with coordinating earrings or bracelets, combine two or three necklaces, or gather the full palette together.

The pieces are meant to be mixed, layered, and made your own.

Details

• Natural, undyed lapis lazuli
• Natural, undyed turquoise
• Natural carnelian
• Faceted gemstones in varied shapes and sizes
• Gold-plated brass spacer beads
• 14kt gold-filled lobster clasp
• Approximately 17 inches long
• 1.5-inch extender
• Designed to coordinate with the Along the Nile necklaces and other Ancient Egypt-inspired pieces
• Handcrafted in Colorado
• One of a kind

Continue Your Journey

Step into the Hall of Ancient Civilizations to explore the stones, colors, and materials that gave ancient Egyptian jewelry its extraordinary visual language, from deep blue lapis lazuli and desert turquoise to fiery carnelian and gleaming gold, in Why Ancient Egyptians Treasured Lapis Lazuli.

Explore the Exhibit →