When you think about the history of mankind, from cave men and women to who we have become today, what do you think must have been the need for jewellery?
Without a doubt, it was and still is a symbol of status. But, I still think it was a natural progression of man's creative power. As we began polishing and invented more and more sophisticated cutting technologies, jewellery designs became more and more sparkly and sophisticated. Some experts believe that wearing jewellery was a way of protection at the time of its inception. Archeological evidence has found adornments made of skulls, stones and bones from prehistoric time.
Fun Fact: Ancient Centics used ornaments for rituals and ceremonial purposes.
In medieval Europe, the jewellery worn displayed people's social status. The royalty loved adornments of gold, silver and various gems. People of lower ranks wore copper or pewart.
The history of jewellery is quite versatile. During the renaissance period, ornaments became more elaborate, colorful and glittery due to rising interest in metal work and further sophistication of cutting technologies. There was also an interest in wearing carved out mythological figures of Ancient Rome and Greece.
During that time,the jewellery being chosen and worn had developed mystical attributes. Each stone was believed to protect from and heal spiritual and physical ailments. There were stones that were believed to cure toothache. Protection against the evil eye was also one of the purposes people wore gemstones. Stones with Scorpion engraved or painted were considered protective amulets. Scorpions were also thought to have healing properties against all kinds of poisons and insect bites.
Vintage jewellery often leaves me mesmerized. Oh, before I forget, please check out the amazing collection of antique jewellery by AC Silver.
As we entered the 17th century, pastel colors were chosen instead of black as backdrops against gemstones. Large bodice and breast ornaments were preferred during this time. Botanical ornaments were also in trend.
As time progressed, diamonds became the highlight of the 18th century. They were mounted in silver to enhance their white color. Towards the end of the century, men started wearing small swords as decorative ornaments.
The 19th century saw both the revival of mythologically-derived jewellery and further sophistication of botanical ornaments.
The death of Prince Albert in 1861 gave rise to a special variety of "Mourning jewellery" when Queen Victoria paired black ornaments with her black Mourning clothes. After that, the public began wearing necklaces with the strands of hair from the lost loved ones to perpetuate their bond with the deceased.
The Arts and Crafts Movement in late 1800 brought back handcraft and inexpensive jewellery. Copper and brass were the mainly used metals, unlike the earlier sophisticated designs made with machines using gold and diamond.
From 1895 to 1910, the Art Nouveau style brought the element of symbolism in the ornaments people wore. The jewellery of this time was based on themes like death and eroticism.
The history of jewellery took another interesting turn in the 20th century due to the industrial revolution. The usage of metal alloys and imitation stones made sophisticated ornaments more affordable and easily available to the middle class.
From the 1960s till today, we still continue to witness astounding innovations in jewellery design. Men have become more open about wearing rings and decorative ornaments. Watches have now become a symbol of a well-groomed man. With the inclusion of plastics along with metals, we continue to both amaze and befuddle the world every single day. Adornments are not a status symbol. They became a way generations and eras chose to express themselves and leave a legacy for us to embrace. I Hope we too manage to leave an everlasting impression in the world of jewellery design for the future generations to come.