the egyptian jewelry-maker did not use precious stone; what he held the most valuable the modern world would consider at best only semiprecious. it is, perhaps, even more surprising that some of the most characteristic and pleasing effects were obtained using man-made materials, such as glazed composition and glass in imitation of semi-precious stones. furthermore, most of the materials used were chosen not just because their colors created a particular effect, but because colors for the egyptians had an underlying symbolism or amulet significance. indeed, in the case of funerary jewelry, certain materials were strictly prescribed for the magical properties of their coloring.