Two Bracelets of Queen Hetep-heres I. Giza; Fourth Dynasty, reign of Snefru to early reign of Khufu (ca. 2575–2550 B.C.E.). Silver, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and carnelian; Diam. 3 1/2–3 5/8 in. (8.8-9 cm). Egyptian Museum, Cairo (JE 53271, JE 53273).

These bracelets are elaborately decorated with butterflies composed of inlaid stone. The semiprecious stones were shaped and then cemented directly into cavities formed in the silver. This technique is quite unusual in ancient Egyptian jewelry manufacture and attests to the metallurgical skill achieved by early Old Kingdom artisans. Butterflies are a rare subject for jewelry, though they are often shown in marsh scenes from decorated tombs. They were perhaps chosen here because the variegated patterns on a butterfly's wings could be charmingly mimicked in stone. Hetep-heres probably wore these bracelets during her lifetime, as they were discovered inside the remains of a wooden jewelry box. Funerary jewelry would have adorned her mummy.