Ancient Greek Jewelry

The ancient Greeks started to make jewelry over 1000 years BC. Some of it was gold and gems, some ancient Greek jewelry was produced using hand made beads which were shaped into animals and shell like designs. Bone was shaped and formed into pieces that adorned the body.





Later, around 300BC ancient Greeks went on to precious jewels set in gold bands used as bracelets and necklaces. The craftsmanship became experienced and their work was sort after by the wealthy.

They used pearls from the sea and amethysts, emeralds and rubies to adorn their gold jewelry, which was worn in social gatherings and religious events. A lot of jewelry made by the ancient Greek craftsmen was simple designs and often dedicated to the gods they favoured. Some was worn as protection from evil, and was said to give the wearer supernatural powers.



Ancient Greek jewelry was made by very creative craftsmen who simply cast pieces of gold, silver and bronze and sometimes hammered the pieces out of sheet metal. Some was prepared out of molten metal then put into casts where jewels and moss agate stone, was then set into the metal and cooled.

Much of the ancient Greek jewelry was lost over time, though paintings and drawings show some of the work can still be seen even today.