Archive for the 'Jewelry History' Category
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
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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.
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