Gemstones used in Ancient Mesopotamian Jewelry: Gemstones used included agate, lapis, jasper and carnelian The Influences of Ancient Mesopotamian Jewelry What influenced Ancient Mesopotamian Jewelry? These ancient people were highly skilled In the use of metals such as silver, gold, copper which they used to make their jewelry. Mesopotamian jewelers employed a wide variety of metalworking techniques such as cloisonne, engraving and filigree producing beautiful pieces encrusted with gemstones such as agate, lapis, jasper and carnelian. The Mesopotamian land was rich and fertile due to the two rivers and they produced more food than they could eat providing wealth and the opportunity for trade. Ancient Mesopotamian Jewelry - Birthstones The people of Ancient Mesopotamia were excellent astronomers and astrologers who worshiped the planets and believed that they controlled the fates of people and countries. The Mesopotamians paired certain gemstones to certain planets and the idea of birthstones evolved from ancient astrology. Gemstones - Lapis Lazuli and Carnelian Lapis Lazuli was a popular gemstone to the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia and valued Lapis Lazuli more highly than gold. Numerous pieces of jewelry, seals, scarabs and objects have been crafted from the stone which they obtained through trade with Egypt. Mesopotamia was also famous for it’s beautiful red Carnelian beads. A burial robe found in the tomb of Pu-Abi, a Sumerian Queen from the third millennium BC, contained carnelian adornments confirming the use and addition of jewelry in clothing. Carnelian, turquoise, and lapis lazuli are the oldest gemstones utilized in the manufacture of jewelry and were also highly favoured in Ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Ancient Mesopotamian Jewelry Both the men and women of Mesopotamia wore earrings, bracelets and necklaces. They also wore amulets, and ankle bracelets. Cylinder seals also doubled as pieces of jewellery. As with the Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamian jewellery was created both for human use and for adorning statues. For a comprehensive and impartial guide to buying diamonds we highly recommend: Diamonds are Forever Ancient Mesopotamian Jewellry - History - Facts - Information -Info - Gems - Gemstones - Precious - Stones - Guide - History - Timeline - Birthstones - Rings - Bracelets - Earrings - Necklaces - Fashion - Design |