In sculpture, jewelry has long been used to symbolize power, divine favor, and cultural identity, often revealing much about the societies that created these works. In
ancient Greek and
Roman sculptures, jewelry was often a marker of status, with gods, emperors, and athletes depicted wearing crowns, diadems, and necklaces. In ancient civilizations like the
Iberians, jewelry also played a significant cultural role. A prime example is the
Dama de Elche (c. 4th century BCE), a famous Iberian limestone bust discovered in Spain. This sculpture depicts a woman wearing elaborate jewelry, including large earrings, a necklace, and a diadem. These jewelry pieces are not only highly detailed but are also indicative of the subject's high social or ritual status. Other ancient cultures, such as the
Egyptians,
Persians, and
Celts, used sculpture to immortalize individuals adorned with jewelry that conveyed their wealth, status, and spiritual significance. In Egypt,
pharaohs were often depicted with intricately designed headdresses and collars, symbolizing divine rule and eternal life. In Celtic art, jewelry was sometimes incorporated into stone carvings, blending ornamental and symbolic elements that conveyed both social status and mystical beliefs.