There’s no telling exactly how much jewelry has been made over the years, how much gold’s been pounded, how many gems have been cut or even how many centuries the human race has exactly been at the art form. But over the years, certain designs have left their mark, even if some of them have never actually been seen.
And while women’s jewelry dominates many items on history’s list (Queen Elizabeth II reportedly has an underground vault below Buckingham Palace for her collection), the men shouldn’t feel left out. Quite the contrary, men have owned some of the most dazzling pieces of jewelry in history. Here’s a sampling:
Joseph’s Ring? – It looks like the Biblical figure had more than a multi-colored coat. Nearly 200 years ago workmen in Egypt supposedly uncovered his tomb, and with it the ring that the Pharaoh placed on his hand as well. Soon after its discovery, the ring made its way around the world, including a brief capture by Greek pirates. Archaeologists have since traced the ring back to a specific dynasty, but know little else to corroborate the legend.
Out in Luxury: Was the enormous wealth of King Tutankhamen’s tomb typical of the time, or an extra effort for a particularly beloved boy king? Historians have been debating the answer ever since Howard Carter unearthed the tomb in 1922. But everyone can agree that what they found was a sight to remember.
Most impressive among the jewels is King Tut’s iconic face plate, which embalmers attached to his face by way of thick resin; several centuries later Carter used hot knives to remove it. The face plate has become more than just a symbol of King Tut, but a symbol of Ancient Egypt as well. But don’t feel too jealous of the young king – look at what he had to go through to get it.
St. Edward’s Crown: One of the oldest pieces in the British Crown Jewels, St. Edward’s Crown nevertheless is charged with the most daunting of tasks. Every time a new monarch is crowned, St. Edward’s is the crown that does it. Furthermore, it represents a major step in English history.
When Oliver Cromwell overthrew the monarchy in the 1600s, he ordered the royal crown destroyed. When the monarchy returned, St. Edward’s was commissioned to replace the lost crown. Charles II became the first king crowned on it, and his line continues to present day.
Although on display in the tower of London, one doesn’t have to wait the next king arrives to get a peek. To this day one can still see the crown on the coat of arms for the United Kingdom.
