Jewelry History - Jewelry Making

A Brief and Subtle Touch On the History of Jewelry and Jewelry Making

The History of Jewelry and Jewelry Making first begins with the word jewelry. The word jewelry is a derivative of the word from Latin jocale meaning "plaything". The word "jewel" entered the Anglo language in the 13th century from the French word "jouel". The word "jewelry" (spelled Jewellery in the UK) is used to describe any particular piece of precious material (gems, metals, even what is important to person, etc.) that is used to adorn one's self, it can be something hanging from the neck, and object in the hair, or something to hook clothing together. Jewelry probably started out as a functional item used to pin articles of clothing together (like our buttons), or later also to hold hair back, and was later adapted to a purely aesthetic adornment. Body piercing can be dated back 4000 years ago or more.

Since the dawn of man, some form of jewelry was produced, a lot more basic than what we have nowadays. It was prevalent in the tools and clothing found in caves. Evidence as far past primitive man shows some forms of jewelry. Jewelry took on this role in a variety of forms with the beginning of man. Some examples of small objects that were of primary importance have been found from the early Neolithic strata of many caverns. Jewelry from that period included crude necklaces with braided hair, bracelets made from bones, teeth, shells, and stone. They were sewn together with a piece of twine or animal hairs left over from a kill.

Earliest Types - Signs Of Jewelry

Mollusk shell jewelry (beads formed from shells) have been discovered in caves and which date back to the middle of the Stone Age, roughly 100,000 years ago, this being what is thought the oldest man made form of jewelry. Jewelry objects have also been found in pre-historic Africa that date back about 75,000 years ago.

Our Homo sapiens and the Cro-Magnons ancestors began making an abundance of jewelry over 40,000 years ago, these articles of jewelry were made from bones, teeth, hair, and other primitive items, but also introduced some Mother of pearl from shells, and some stones. The fashioned jewelry was a little less primitive that that of the Neanderthal man. Until recently, researchers had believed that the use of this ability and the use of symbolism and aesthetic adornment werent developed until humans had migrated to Europe 35,000 to 40,000 years ago. The earliest signs of metallurgy were seen around 7,000 years ago while jewelry made of gold and silver is believed to have made its appearance with the ancient Egyptians more than 3,000 years ago.

Once settlers arrived into Europe, the people used gems and jewels as a symbol of wealth and as a status icon. Because the humans have a desire to ornament themselves; the use of jewelry as amulets or pendants endowed with special or magical powers appeared. To better understand the growth and history of the importance of jewelry and precious stones, the people had to become aware of a undeniable belief; a belief that precious stones could affect the fortunes of the wearer, by changing their health or wealth. Wearing a precious stone was thought to be used to protect against harm, ward of evil, and heal ailments. This type of jewelry was made with certain convictions in mind and to conform and strengthen beliefs of the church. This was particularly true when religions began to form an important sociological bond.

Early in this endeavor, jewelry began to be associated with religious acts. Gold and jewels were used as gifts for the church and to appease gods will. The people felt that benefits could be attained from wearing certain religious jewelry pieces. This soon brought birth to the idea of fictitious powers being attributed to certain jewels, pendants, and amulets. Consequently, many of these legends surrounding the benefits of certain stones were generally held all over the world.

Medieval - Renaissance Period Jewelry

During the Medieval period, styles and morals combined to discourage the wearing of many different types of jewelry as to stop the pagan heretics beliefs from spreading.

So brooches became an important part of the medieval wardrobe in both peon and royal status. Along with jeweled belts of various kinds, brooches were very practical as they were decorative. They held up cloaks, tunics, and other various bits of fabric and rings were worn by almost everyone during this period. Rings would be crafted out of iron, copper, silver or gold. The composition of the ring often denoted the wearer's social standing. Although many liked to see gems in their rings, the appearance of faceted stones did not appear until the early to mid 14 century.

In the late medieval period, people started to loosen their tongue along with their acceptance of a bit more skin showing, jewelry began to appear more as well. Necklaces begin to make an appearance mostly as collars which are known today as chokers. The mens collars tended more to be made of chains more often than not. Later on, collars became associated with elaborate affairs of state; comprised of complicated twists and beads.

The Renaissance period begin to see all sorts of different styles of jewelry. Pearls are the main attraction as well as diamonds but not like they are in todays fashion. Pearls were the most widely used gem during that time. In the early 16th century, particularly in Italy, Earrings made an appearance. They were mostly comprised often of plain pearls and included a simple matching pearl collar. When elegance was demanded many people of the higher class would don on some pearl earring that would suspended from a ribbon and matched the wearer's dress. Earrings don't make an appearance in England until later into the Elizabethan period. During this period the Italian style of the pearl drop became popular for both sexes in any class but was prominent with the nobles.

Jewelry Making a Fine Art

The art of jewelry-making was refined during the Georgian and Victorian periods in Europe, with pieces such as cameos and lockets making their appearance, and platinum came onto the scene at the turn of the 20th Century.

With the appearance of lockets during the Georgian and Victorian periods, the art of jewel crafting was refined and platinum appeared more towards the turn of the 20^th Century thus sending the art of jewelry-making into another upgrade.

In this period known as the Roaring Twenties, a huge demand for jewelry and a new styles made its voice known at an event in a Paris Exposition known only as Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. A new design was formed and its name is a derivative from that fair; "Art Deco." It was unusual because it featured abstract geometric shapes and uses such diverse designs linked to those created by the Aztecs and Egyptians. Artists and crafters would then combine them with modern art.

By the 1940s still another design was introduced, called "Retro Modern. This design featured flamboyant curves in jewelry. They would incorporate yellows, pinks, and green gold, along with unusual mixtures of colored gemstones into large pieces of jewelry. Today there is only one word that describes this style; garish.

Pieces like the tennis bracelet and diamond pendant made their way into the design scene during the latter part of the 20th Century, and in turn made designer jewelry very popular. Most jewelry experts agree saying, today's consumers have the widest choice ever and the post millennium era promises to be the best ever for the gemstone and jewelry industry, given the history of jewelry and jewelry making

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