Gifted Hands Store

More people today than ever before are able to afford the luxury of jewelry. Consider some of these historical facts about jewelry:

. Styles of jewelry and the materials of which it’s made vary from culture to culture.

. Social orders,religious customs, and the availability of raw materials play a large part

in the types of jewelry made.

. Everything from wood and clay to seashells and feathers has been used for personal

adornment through the ages.

Jewelry as Protection

Since the beginning of time people have tried to control their fate or destiny by assigning

special powers to all types of objects. They carried these objects around with them. Objects

such as stones and small images crafted of wood or clay. They would attach these items to

a piece of leather or vine and wear them around their neck or wrist. Such jewelry worn

because of it’s “special powers” is called amuletic jewelry.

Today people identify themselves with their beliefs by wearing different styles of crosses,

crystals, gemstones and occult symbols.

Opal. Ancient Romans believed opals fell from heaven during flashes of lightning. Opals

were the symbol of hope and purity for them.

Ruby. People thought rubies brought success, health, and wisdom in love to those who wore them.

Jewelry to Designate Rank and Authority

Social jewelry, developed through the social orders of many cultures in which jewelry was worn to designate

rank or authority among it’s members. Example of social jewelry is the crown jewels of England. The

underlying principle of both amuletic and social jewelry is-POWER

Jewelry is many times given to individuals as a reward for some accomplishment.

For example, the Super Bowl ring given to the winning team as a symbol of victory.

IT’S GREAT TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH SOME OF THE HISTORY AS IT GIVES ME A BETTER APPRECIATION OF WHAT I LOVE- JEWELRY

l

In 1952, the official list of birthstones was established upon approval by the American National Retail Jewelers Association,National Jewelers Association, and the American Gem Society. I do use some of these stones in my jewelry so I thought I would provide the list as a reference.

January        Garnet

February      Amethyst

March           Bloodstone or Aquamarine

April              Diamond

May               Emerald

June              Pearl or Moonstone

July                Ruby

August           Sardonyx or Peridot

September     Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli

October          Opal or Pink Tourmaline

November      Topaz or Citrine

December       Turquoise or Zircon, new is Tanzanite

Jewelry must not only look great but should make you feel better(physically and emotionally)when you wear it. Today Magnet jewelry claims to alleviate several ailments,who knows. I strongly believe your jewelry should lift your spirits,at least a little or its not worth wearing. It should also do something positive for your outfit. Whether it’s the vibrant color of the piece or a unique design. The piece could be bold, classic or simply elegant, it should make a statement. This is what catches my eye.

Historically speaking jewelry has had a number of uses throughout its storied history.  With examples of jewelry dating back at least 100,000 years we know that jewelry has been a human tradtition for millenia.  Originally, it is suspected, jewelry was developed to display or store wealth in a way that would demonstrate the owner’s high position in society.  As the years passed the diamond fast became the lasting symbol of the marriage pact probably for its own durability and strength.

Most modern jewelry is almost exclusively used for adornment purposes, serving as a tasteful accent to an already existing beauty.  Although many more celebratory and colorful displays still enjoy popularity in some cultures, the majority of the western world seems to enjoy something that doesn’t steal the show.  Next time you’re shopping for handmade jewelry pay special attention to the details  and see if you can find the influence or particular cultural traits at work.