| Few images conjure the immediate impression of | | | | Personal cartouches also proclaimed their authority |
| majesty and grandeur as clearly as Egyptian | | | | in such jewelry as the signet ring, which often |
| inspired jewelry. From the renowned beaded collar | | | | sealed official documents and proved the great |
| necklaces to serpentine arm cuffs, these personal | | | | Pharaoh himself authorized the document. |
| ornaments link the wearer to the royalty of the | | | | Across the generations and cultures, the |
| ancient empire. | | | | importance of name acclaim continues in all areas |
| Gold beads and bands, interwoven with dramatic | | | | of society. In America, monuments reaching to |
| hues of turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli instill a | | | | the sky bear the names of great leaders. Authors |
| sensation of historical wealth and power. Accents | | | | inscribe their works with dedications to |
| of scarabs, ankhs, or the inimitable Eye of Horace | | | | noteworthy and influential figures. Video games |
| associate the wearer with the ruling class of | | | | bear the names of famous athletes. The |
| Ancient Egypt. In order to evoke the sense of | | | | marketing industry, responsible for so many of |
| Royalty fully, the only remaining element needed | | | | these types of decisions, declares celebrity name |
| is the cartouche. | | | | endorsement a primary principle in successfully |
| The cartouche is both a hieroglyphic symbol and a | | | | promoting any product. |
| decorative emblem. As an emblem, the cartouche | | | | The signet ring itself morphed from a tool of |
| is often an oblong or oval block. Hieroglyphic text | | | | authorization to merely a statement of |
| inscribes the block proclaiming the name of the | | | | achievement. The primary example would be the |
| owner. An enclosure, usually an image of tied | | | | Super Bowl ring. While not used to seal |
| rope, encircles the text. These hieroglyphics | | | | documents, only the few who achieve great |
| protected by the enclosure is the heart of the | | | | victories in the arena possess it. |
| cartouche and echoes the tradition of the | | | | Similarly, cartouche jewelry itself has expanded in |
| Pharaohs. | | | | this society from primarily rings to a broad range |
| Even the dabbler of archaeology is aware that | | | | of necklace pendants, earrings and bracelets as |
| the Pharaohs inscribed their names and deeds | | | | well other accessories. Although a proliferation of |
| upon their proudest edifices. Pharaohs would | | | | jewelry products are now available which |
| bestow their name upon towns worthy of | | | | personalize and proclaim the name of the wearer, |
| particular honor, and adorned the walls of the city | | | | only one continues to create a regal presence - |
| with tales of their glorious battle triumphs. | | | | the Egyptian inspired cartouche. |