Across
cultures, jewelry has been a form of adornment for a long time. Shells, stones,
and bones have been used to make jewels since prehistoric times. It is likely
that jewelry originated as a way to protect oneself from physical harm and
later morphed into a symbol of status or rank.
The
discovery of how to melt and forge metals was a landmark moment in the
development of the art of jewelry making. Jewels become more decorated and
intricate as metalworking techniques evolved over time.
Gold is a
rare metal which is valued highly. In the ancient world it was not uncommon to
bury gold with the dead. A lot of the jewelry the old era comes from hoards and
tombs.
Medieval
jewelry
In medieval
Europe, jewelry was a symbol of one’s social hierarchy. It was an important
part of the highly status-conscious society of that era. The royalty and
nobility wore gold, silver, and other precious gems.
Until the
last decades of the 14th century, gems were worn after a little polish. They
were rarely cut. It was the size and luminosity that determined their value.
Renaissance
jewelry
During the
Renaissance, enamels covering both sides of the jewel became increasingly
popular, highly elaborate, and attractively colorful. Cutting technology
prospered. These advances brought about cutting and increased the glitter of
stones.
During this
era, jewels and precious stones were often a symbol of political power. It was
during this time that an rise in interest in the ancient Greek and Roman world
inspired a resurgence of engraved jewelry with mythological features.
Since the
17th century
As
Renaissance gave way to the age of rationalism, new styles of jewelry appeared.
Professionals started using dark fabrics to adorn jewels. It was during the
17th century that graceful tops on pearls and gemstones became popular. It was
during this time that custom jewelry
design and repair first rose in popularity.
Over time,
jewels with brilliant cuts and multiple facets grew in popularity. It took
time, but soon diamonds became popular. In the 18th century, diamonds were more
or less essential for court life. The largest of these precious stones found
place on the bodice.
Today, one
can witness the boundaries of jewelry being redefined everyday. The trend has
particularly hastened since the 1960s - when college students rebelled against
authority for the first time in the United States.
In the
contemporary world it is not uncommon to use plastics, paper, textiles, and
other materials in jewelry design and repair.
