Although the ancient Persian city of Shahr-e-Sookhteh (The Burnt City) was discovered by archaeologists in the 1970s, I just discovered that it exists this week, thanks to an article I found about jewelry unearthed from the city — what a fascinating place! The site is located in modern-day southeastern Iran, but the city itself existed in four stages from 3200 B.C. to 2100 B.C.

Archaeologists found beautiful jewelry pieces made with materials we still use today: agate, pearls, copper, silver, gold, etc. They also found evidence that suggests that both men and women used cosmetics for adornment. According to the article, "Metal, bone, shell, stone and glass rings, bracelets, armlets, anklets, hair and dress pins, circlets, chokers, ornamental buttons, various ear and fingernail cleaning tools are among the frequent finds..." To see examples of the jewelry, click here to go to the article.

Because I was intrigued, I did a bit more research on the site and found that it's truly a treasure trove of human history. Other highlights from the site include the oldest known backgammon game, with pieces made of agate and turquoise and a board made of ivory; the oldest known pair of dice; an artificial eyeball made of gold and patterned like the sun; evidence of brain surgery; the world's first animation, portrayed on an earthen goblet; insignias made of stone and clay that suggest women had economic responsibility for their households; and more.

It's difficult for me to comprehend that these ancient people made the caliber of jewelry that they did. It's made me want to see even more ancient jewelry, and I think I know just where to look. In Art Jewelry's July 2008 issue, contributor Stephanie Riger (who teaches how to make a fused medallion and chain in "Deja Fusion," page 71) told us about the book she goes to for inspiration: Jewelry, 7,000 Years: An International History and Illustrated Survey from the Collections of the British Museum, edited by Hugh Tait.

Any other recommendations? Thoughts on ancient jewelry? Happy looking!

—Kristin