Egyptian Ankh Life Pendant 2L with Chain 18L Unisex Necklace

The Key of Life on a Chain: An Egyptian Ankh Necklace

A tall ankh in antique gold plate hangs from an 18 in chain. A loop sits above a crossbar and a long stem. This Egyptian ankh necklace is 2 in high and 3/4 in wide.

The ankh pendant is modeled on a mirror case. It reads well on a plain neckline.

Product Details

• Material: 24K antique gold plate over pewter
• Ankh: 2 in H x 3/4 in W
• Chain: 18 in L
• Product number: 6536Z
• Style: Unisex Egyptian necklace
• Origin: Made in USA

A Sign Everyone Could Read

The ankh was the Egyptian hieroglyph for life. The same sign spelled the words for mirror and bouquet. In temple reliefs gods hold it to the king's nose, offering the breath of life.

That is why it appears in so many tombs. A key of life pendant is a small copy of that gift.

What Was the Ankh?

No one agrees what the sign first showed. One scholar saw a sandal strap. Another saw a knot used as an amulet. A third proposed a mirror.

Some writers join the T-cross of Osiris to the oval of Isis, uniting heaven and earth. That reading is popular but unproven. Mirrors and mirror cases were shaped like the sign. An ankh pendant inspired by a mirror case makes sense.

Tomb Art and Tutankhamun

In 1922 Howard Carter found the tomb of Tutankhamun of the 18th Dynasty. Its objects brought new light on the art and life of ancient Egypt. Egyptian art was designed to be read as a language of signs. The Egyptian ankh necklace is one such sign in portable form.

Wearing and Display

Wear the Egyptian ankh necklace at the collarbone or over a sweater. The 18 in chain falls high on the chest. Keep it dry and wipe with a soft cloth.

A unisex Egyptian necklace sits well on any neckline. See more in our Egyptian Museum Replicas and Museum Jewelry Necklaces.

The Ankh After Egypt

Coptic Christians turned the ankh into a cross with a loop. It appeared on textiles and carved stone. An Egyptian ankh necklace therefore links Egypt with early Christian art. The ankh pendant crossed cultures easily. A unisex Egyptian necklace like this one still does, and a key of life pendant fits any wardrobe.

For More Reading from the Web

• Read the theories of the ankh's shape, from a sandal strap to a mirror. A key of life pendant has a lot of history. Ankh - Wikipedia