A Published Egyptian Chert Burnisher, Old Kingdom, ca. 2575 - 2134 BCE Medium - Shell such as this fine example

such as this fine example with its elongated ovoid form

hexagonal bezel set with a fine amethyst intaglio depicting a bearded satyr

The British Museum

with an everted rim and flat base

originally created to commemorate the US tour of the art from King Tutankhamun's tomb

A Published Egyptian Chert Burnisher, Old Kingdom, ca. 2575 - 2134 BCE Medium - Shell such as this fine exampleBurnishing in ancient Egyptian jewelry making was an essential technique to achieve a smooth, glossy finish on metal or stone surfaces. The process was done using a burnisher, a hard, smooth tool made from materials like bone, stone, or metal, such as this fine example with its elongated ovoid form, rounded ends, and highly polished surface. The burnisher was used to polish and smooth the surface of the jewelry after it had been shaped and detailed,