A cartouche pendant is more than just jewelry—it's a miniature time capsule, a personal emblem with roots reaching deep into the sands of ancient Egypt. These oval-shaped inscriptions, once reserved for royalty, carried the names of pharaohs and symbolized protection and power. Today, artisans across Egypt continue to create cartouche pendants by hand, blending time-honored techniques with modern flair. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating process of making these meaningful keepsakes.

Designing the Name in Hieroglyphs
First, customers provide their name, which is translated into ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Skilled artisans or trained designers use symbols that represent sounds that are similar to letters in the English language. There are several hieroglyphs that are similar in sound. We allow the artist to choose the symbol that will look best on the pendant.

Choosing the Material: Gold or Silver

Traditionally, gold was the preferred medium for royalty, while modern pendants are often made in sterling silver for affordability. The metal is melted into bars and then flattened to create the frame and background for the pendant. 

Hand-Molding the Hieroglyphs
Once the design is finalized, the melted metal is poured into molds (we call them stamps).

Adding the symbols to the design

If you choose an open-style or gemstone cartouche, the symbols are placed and then cut away. This is done by hand using fine chisels and engraving tools, requiring patience, dexterity, and a steady hand. If you choose a solid-style cartouche, the symbols are hand-placed and individually soldered on. 

Soldering and Shaping the Frame
The engraved piece is then framed with a thin border, completing the cartouche’s signature oval form with a horizontal line at the base, just like those that encircled pharaonic names on temple walls. The frame is soldered by hand and polished to remove any signs of joining. This stage ensures the cartouche is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The artisan cuts the metal into an oval or oblong shape, slightly elongated to mirror the ancient Egyptian cartouche.

Finishing Touches: Polishing and Inspection
After shaping, the pendant is polished to a mirror finish or given a matte texture, depending on the desired look. Some cartouches also receive oxidized detailing to highlight the hieroglyphs. When the cartouche is finished, it is taken to the government stamp office. Each pendant is individually tested and then stamped to ensure the metal content. 

Jewelry with Meaning
The final product is more than just an ornament. A cartouche pendant carries the essence of identity, heritage, and protection. In ancient times, it was believed that enclosing a name in a cartouche would shield it from harm in this life and the next. Today, whether worn as a fashion statement or a spiritual talisman, it remains a symbol of individuality and timeless Egyptian artistry. We know how special these pendants are to our customers. When we receive the cartouche from Cairo to our warehouse in Colorado, we inspect the order and package it in a gift box.

From stone-carved temples to your neck, the cartouche has traveled millennia to become a cherished piece of personal jewelry. Its creation is a living tradition—bridging past and present, art and identity, Egypt and the world.