A Published Egyptian Chert Burnisher, Old Kingdom, ca. 2575 - 2134 BCE Medium - Shell The British Museum

The British Museum

This example is of bright veined malachite and has a small suspension loop at the top

with an everted rim and flat base

hexagonal bezel set with a fine amethyst intaglio depicting a bearded satyr

such as this fine example with its elongated ovoid form

A Published Egyptian Chert Burnisher, Old Kingdom, ca. 2575 - 2134 BCE Medium - Shell The British MuseumBurnishing in ancient Egyptian jewelry making was an essential technique to achieve a smooth, glossy finish on metal or stone surfaces. The process was done using a burnisher, a hard, smooth tool made from materials like bone, stone, or metal, such as this fine example with its elongated ovoid form, rounded ends, and highly polished surface. The burnisher was used to polish and smooth the surface of the jewelry after it had been shaped and detailed,