Jewelry making is an art that dates back to prehistoric times and has evolved century after century, undergoing numerous changes and reaching the present day as we know it today.
It has always been important for mankind to know where everything comes from in order to know where to direct it, so we will take a short walk through the history of jewelry.
The history of jewelry is part of the artistic history of mankind. At every moment, and in every era, jewelry has a different meaning. These beautiful accessories were at the same time symbols of a person’s status in society and were used as amulets for protection …
Do you want to know more about them? Start this journey with us!
prehistoric jewelry
It is believed that the oldest jewelry was made by European Neanderthals. Remains of ostrich egg ornaments made approximately 115,000 years ago have been found in southeastern Spain.
And 40,000-year-old marble rings and bone beads have been found in Kenya and Russia.
Jewelry in Egypt
The first evidence of jewelry found in Egypt dates back about 3,000 to 5,000 years ago and is made of precious metals, more often gold.
At that time, jewelry symbolized political and religious power. They were also used in funerary rites, as they were placed in tombs as the ancients believed that an afterlife must be provided after death.
Greek jewelry
Precious jewelry found in ancient Greece dates back to 1600 BC. In the Mycenaean period, casting, wire twisting and other methods were used. If we go back to 300, we find that the Greeks used stones such as amethysts, emeralds and pearls. These decorations were used only on special occasions and were given as gifts, especially to women who showed off their status and beauty through the decorations. But not only that, jewelry was also worn to protect against evil eyes, as it was believed that they endow a person with supernatural powers.
Rome and its decorations
Roman jewelry was created in a variety of ways, but the most popular accessory was the brooch. They were used as a talisman against evil eyes and forces, as in Greece. A variety of materials were used: gold, bronze, bones, which were decorated with stones such as: sapphires, diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones.
With the fall of the empire, the territory was divided and much of the jewelry heritage was lost.
Renaissance Jewelry
Later, during the Renaissance, trade flourished, which made it possible to trade in precious stones throughout Europe, and jewelry began to be perceived as works of art. At this time, jewelry was created with emeralds brought from Colombia, Amazonite from Brazil, Cysoberyl from Sri Lanka, etc. Great progress in jewelry came at that time with Napoleon.
The French emperor introduced the wearing of jewelry sets into fashion.
Romanticism in jewelry
At the end of the 18th century, romantic decorations were inspired by archaeological discoveries, as well as the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the jewelry market became more diverse and the first costume jewelry appeared, as well as high-end jewelry. At the same time, such well-known jewelry houses as Tiffany (USA), Cartier (France) and Bvlgari (Italy) were founded.
Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1910)
This style is characterized by the addition of color in the enamel technique. Orchids, lilies, swans, peacocks, snakes or dragonflies stand out. One of the most famous dragonfly creators is René Lalique. However, after the First World War, his style became more realistic.
Art Deco Jewelry
This period between 1920 and 1950 is characterized by a time when jewelry was simplified and accessories began to be mass-produced. Plastics and aluminum began to be used under the influence of Walter Gropius and the German Bauhaus movement. Mastering the technique is valued more than the material used.
Chinese empire and jewels
If we need to highlight a material that the Chinese really love, it’s jade. Chinese craftsmen like this material for its physical qualities: strength and beauty. Often it was combined with silver. The most common amulets created in the empire are the phoenix and the dragon. Another important feature of Chinese culture and, in particular, the development of jewelry art is that earrings are not worn. Very often, the decorations made were used only to decorate the graves.
Indian jewelry
Indian jewelry is inspired by Hinduism. In addition, India has large mines for the extraction of precious metals and stones, which allows it to specialize in this market and export jewelry throughout Europe. Initially, this sector was reserved for women only, who wore a lot of clay beads or shells, which were later replaced by more durable materials such as metal. The most popular motifs are elephant, snake or peacock.
Jewelry in the Americas
Jewelry made in this area is inlaid with turquoise, mother-of-pearl, amethyst, shells or corals – stones very beloved by the Indians. The nobles could only wear one material – gold adorned with feathers. The more jewels they had, the more power they had.
However, gold is not considered as valuable as some feathers or gems such as turquoise or jade.
Modern Jewelry
Since the 60s, we have found priceless materials in modern jewelry. Jewels already have a conceptual meaning. Author’s jewelry (handmade) is becoming increasingly valuable and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
This new era brought us the cultivation of pearls, the development of synthetic gemstones, metals, clay, wood, Swarovski crystals and of course the most innovative material used in jewelry – carbon fiber, better known as carbon fiber. In stores, we can see different types of carbon jewelry such as pendants, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks and more.
Carbon wedding rings Carbon wedding rings
So, regardless of the material, time and place of creation, jewelry has been and remains part of the image of a person. At the same time, both today and many centuries and even millennia ago, gender difference did not matter in the selection, manufacture and wearing of jewelry.
And jewelry of what era and what culture is closer to you?
