Lost Treasures & Modern Craft: The Allure of Egyptian Revival Jewelry
For as long as treasure has been lost, people have dreamed of finding it. Ancient tombs, forgotten civilizations, and shimmering artifacts buried beneath centuries of sand—these stories fuel our imagination, connecting us to the artistry and mysteries of the past.
For Todd Bracken, that fascination runs deep.
"When I was a kid, I wanted to be an underwater archaeologist. I was obsessed with Jacques Cousteau, National Geographic specials, and old movies about lost treasure. My dad and I would go arrowhead hunting on our family’s farm in Illinois, and I still remember finding my first one at four years old. That connection to the past has never left me."
That lifelong passion for ancient artifacts, combined with decades of fine jewelry craftsmanship, led to this collection—one-of-a-kind Egyptian Revival-inspired necklaces, handcrafted in Los Angeles from high-karat gold, hand-carved gemstones, and carefully curated beads collected over years.
What is Egyptian Revival Jewelry?
Egyptian Revival jewelry isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about fascination with a civilization known for its artistry, symbolism, and eternal treasures. The style first emerged in the early 19th century, sparked by Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign, and surged in popularity again with the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. The Western world became enchanted with motifs like the scarab (symbolizing transformation), the sun disc (life and power), and intricate goldwork reminiscent of artifacts found in ancient tombs.
Todd Bracken’s approach to this collection follows that same spirit—melding historical inspiration with modern craftsmanship.
"Throughout my career, I’ve studied ancient jewelry—examining museum collections, reading books, and learning historical metalworking techniques. My goal is always to create jewelry that feels like it could have been unearthed from an ancient site, yet wearable and timeless today."
Source: Robb Report, The Jewelry He Wore
A Collection Rooted in Ancient Symbols & Timeless Craftsmanship
Each necklace in this collection is built around authentic, high-karat gold elements, hand-carved gemstones, and a deep respect for history. The scarabs were carved years ago, the gold spirals and sun discs are staples of Bracken’s designs, and the beads have been collected over decades—waiting for the right moment to be transformed.
Rather than imitating the past, these designs reinterpret history, blending ancient motifs with contemporary vision.
The result? Pieces that feel like they could have been excavated from a long-lost temple or discovered in an explorer’s treasure chest—yet belong just as easily in a modern collection.
A Legacy of Storytelling Through Jewelry
Bracken Jewelers has long been known for its ability to craft jewelry that carries meaning—whether through its signature California Gold collection, custom-designed engagement rings, or pieces like these that bring the ancient world into the present.
For those who, like Todd, have always been captivated by history, myth, and lost treasures, these pieces are more than jewelry. They are stories, waiting to be worn.