A pair of Egyptian Carnelian Poppy Beads set as Earrings, 18th Dynasty, Amarna Period, ca. 1364 - 1347 BCE

A graceful and evocative pair of ancient Egyptian poppy-bud beads, each meticulously hand-carved from warm orange-red carnelian and later mounted as earrings in modern 14K gold. These charming floral forms belong to a class of New Kingdom ornaments inspired by the blossoms and buds found in Egypt’s temple and palace gardens, particularly poppies and cornflowers, both sacred to renewal and rebirth.

During the reigns of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten, floral motifs featured prominently in personal adornment, with carnelian prized for its protective and regenerative associations. Such beads adorned elaborate broad collars and garlands placed upon the living and the dead, symbolizing vitality and the life-giving power of the sun.

Here, two of these ancient floral beads have been sensitively adapted into earrings that preserve their archaeological authenticity while offering wearable beauty. 

Medium: Carnelian, modern 14K yellow gold

Dimensions: Drop length: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

Condition: Minor losses to the lower tips of both beads; otherwise, both ancient elements are intact and well preserved. Converted into earrings with modern 14K gold clasps.  A lovely example.

Provenance: Private collection of Lady Gloria Dale (1922–2013), artist and British crafts patron. Married to Sir William Dale, noted Commonwealth lawyer and international law scholar. Lady Dale began designing jewelry in Washington, D.C. in the 1950s and 1960s using antique beads collected across the Middle East; she later donated part of her collection to the British Museum.

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