Ernest Jones Unveils New Collection of Electrum Jewelry Inspired by Egypt’s Timeless Allure
Drawing on motifs from ancient Egyptian art and symbolism, the jeweler’s latest collection blends heritage with modern craftsmanship — a move aimed at capturing the appetite for culturally rooted design and combating climbing gold prices.

Ernest Jones’s new Kleora collection. (Courtesy of Ernest Jones)
Under the soft glow of the showroom lights, Ernest Jones’ newest Kleora collection gleams like treasure from another age. And it almost is. Drawing inspiration from the materials of ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, Ernest Jones disrupted the industry with their latest line, and it’s star component, a new kind of metal alloy; Modern Electrum. The metal is a blend of “gold’s opulence, silver’s shine and the strength of precious palladium.”
Meet the Author

- Priya Raj is a seasoned journalist and luxury-brand copywriter who currently serves as Content Editor at APL Media, working on supplements for major titles such as The Guardian and The Telegraph.
- She has also been featured on live television and radio (including BBC World Service and BBC Asian Network), and has also written for publications such as Vogue and Tatler.
The Egyptian Origins of Electrum Jewelry
‘Kleora’ is a Greek word, but this collection couldn’t be more pharaonic. The motifs in the collection include a coin design with the silhouette of a Nefertiti bust, as well as a geometric ‘pyramid’ line, which takes from the strong, uniform lines that define the skyline of Giza. The entirety of the Kleora collection is studded in natural Canadian diamonds, chosen for their blue glow, exceptional clarity and ethical provenance, punctuating the designs with subtle brilliance.
Modern Electrum vs. Ancient Electrum

Modern Electrum was created in a collaboration between Legor Group (an Italian alloy manufacturer) and Diamonds de Canada under Lands Collection. This iteration of the material might be, in their own terms, ‘modern’, but it’s history goes back to ancient Egypt, a reference that resurfaces in Ernest’s Jones’ Kleora Collection. The original alloy was a mix of gold, silver, platinum, and other metals such as rhodium and palladium, formed through a geological process in the Earth’s crust.
It’s likely the Egyptians came across it by accident, settled into the sand or river beds. It’s said Cleopatra adorned herself in electrum jewelry, and the Romans used it in their armor and coins. The use of the metal died out as its nature meant there was no way to determine the ratio of precious metals in each coin, making them impossible to value. The Romans ruled out its use and instead turned towards pure silver and gold. Most recently, Modern Electrum was used to plate coins for King Charles’ Astra Carta project.
Why Jewelers Are Turning to Modern Electrum Today
While it has a long legacy, Modern Electrum is already appearing in jewelry collections of multiple brands as gold prices skyrocket. The Business of Fashion reported that gold prices have more than doubled since 2022. According to Lands Collection, it starts at $650-700 per ounce, and the pure 24K gold equivalent would be around $3,000.
The price of gold is leaving jewelers at odds on how to keep prices competitive, and this alternative metal might be the answer to their prayers. Legor says the new alloy “marks a radical shift: no longer a geological coincidence, but the outcome of a rigorous and highly controlled scientific process.” But more than this, it denotes a transition of luxury materials. The decision to include natural diamonds in what is essentially a lab-made metal jewelry presents a firm stance in favor of natural gemstones.
How Modern Electrum Shapes the Design Language of Kleora

Rather than leaning on nostalgia, Kleora interprets Egyptian influences with clarity and restraint, underscoring a focus on craftsmanship and the core material. For Ernest Jones, the collection represents an assured step towards design-led identity and technical innovation – connecting the brand’s accessibility with a growing demand for heritage in luxury jewelry.
These exquisite designs are available in selected Ernest Jones boutiques and online.























