Hair rings were used to adorn wigs and Egyptian hair, with the varied hairstyles employed as a means to distinguish between social classes. Wig making was a formal profession in Ancient Egypt, though there is also evidence of anti-baldness remedies, and the use of henna to dye grey hair. These hair rings were usually made of ivory or jasper.
Revered by ancient peoples and civilisations throughout the world as a sacred and powerful stone of protection, jasper was considered important for both the physical and spiritual realm. In Ancient Egypt red jasper was linked to fertility as it was named the fertilising blood of Mother Isis; legend states it was used to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. Many amulets made from jasper were found in Egypt with inscriptions to protect the wearer from death.
