Functions of jewellery: Status and Social Identity

Jewellery is a universal form of adornment. Metcalf [1998] regards jewellery as," a body of objects, emanating from almost every known society since the beginning of culture." hence, "one of the most important purposes of jewellery, is to mark social identity and status...to either distinguish or merge the wearer with social groupings" as he would describe it.

Hairnet, Front Medallion., bearing a bust of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love.

This golden  hairnet is said to originate from a wealthy family of  the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Hellenistic Egypt. Certain elements of the hairnet's decoration seem to have had a close connection to the Ptolemies, the ruling family of Hellenistic Egypt. Aphrodite was considered the divine equivalent of many Ptolemaic queens.

 In her book (Style and Function in Roman Decoration) Ellen Swift addresses the function of  jewellery in the Roman Era. She describes jewellery, especially precious metal jewellery as being regarded as the female equivalent of the male symbols of office,  an important element in manifesting a women's feminine, elite status.

Assassins Creed Origins: Cleopatra
Her jewellery symbolised her identity as Egyptian Queen and the belief that she was the embodiment of the Goddess Isis

 Gold as we know it, is a timeless extremely precious material,  as it doesn't degraded or oxidize over time, it's a perfect conduct of electricity and it's the best reflector of red light as it is currently being used on the latest NASA space telescope.

Details on Hairnet, Small Pendant.

Swift explains that, "A high status for females as well as males, was partly constructed through materials like precious and semi precious metals and stones.

Elite status could be amplified or represented through the use of intricate decorative pattern and labour-intensive, highly skilled decorative techniques."

Swift suggests that, "such designs impress through an awareness, on part of the viewer, of the difficulty with which they are achieved. A plain gold piece, without gems, could be worn by anyone, decoration thus becomes a way to differentiate oneself from others who may access to elite materials yet are not accepted members of the elite, and to reinforce the separation between the elite an those of lesser status."