- Amulet size: 24 mm × 12 mm plus a 40 cm steel chain with a 5 cm extension piece
- Material: either 925 sterling silver with rhodium plating or brass with 3-micron 18K gold plating, the chain is steel
- Handcrafted in Spain. Each piece is unique, and subtle variations in shape and surface are a natural part of the crafting process.
The ankh symbol appears in archaeological records as early as the Early Dynastic Period (around 3000 BCE), when it also became established as part of Egyptian hieroglyphic writing, representing the word Ꜥnḫ, meaning “life”. There is no scholarly consensus on its exact origin, although various interpretations have been proposed, such as a connection to a sandal strap or different knot forms, without a definitive conclusion.
Its looped upper form gave the ankh its distinctive appearance. It was later adopted as a symbol in Coptic Christianity, reflecting how the sign continued to be associated with life even as cultures evolved. In ancient Egypt, the ankh appears in wall reliefs, amulets and objects intended to carry meanings of protection and continuity.
Symbolic Meaning
The ankh is one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt. Its meaning was simple and powerful: life. Gods are often depicted offering the ankh to humans or the pharaoh, as if to signify that the force of life flows through them. In funerary art, the symbol functioned as a key to the afterlife and a sign of protection for the deceased.
In visual tradition, the ankh frequently appears alongside the djed pillar and the was sceptre, forming a symbolic grouping associated with life, stability and power. During the New Kingdom, it is often shown in scenes where gods hold the ankh before the pharaoh’s face, particularly near the nose, which has been interpreted as the transmission of the breath of life.
Djed & Ankh
In Ancient Egyptian symbolism, the djed and the ankh frequently appear together.
- The Ankh represents life.
- The Djed represents stability and endurance.
Together, they signify a life that is both sustained and enduring.
Water Resistance
Although the jewellery is water-resistant, we recommend drying it after exposure and avoiding contact with cleaning agents to ensure the longest possible lifespan.
