Friday, October 30, 2009

The Sparkling History of Jewelry

By Josephine Archibald

Lets talk about what jewelry is, and how it is strictly defined. Jewelry, also spelled as jewellery, is a personal item used as an adornment. Items such as a necklace, a bracelet, a ring, or a brooch that is worn on ones self, that could be made from gemstones or any precious metal, or even any other material, as long as they are appreciated because of their geometric patterns or design, even meaningful symbols.

The concept of wearing jewelry can be traced since the existence of Cro-Magnons - humanity's forefathers. Some 40,000 years ago, they used to create rudimentary necklaces out of teeth, bones, and stone. One particular archaeological excavation in Russia discovered several necklaces made out of Woolly Mammoth tusks.

The word jewelry is actually from the French word "jouel". It is even believed that if you trace further, it would lead you to a Latin word "jocale" which literally means a plaything.

As the evolution of culture continued to take place, those jewelries that are used by prominent people became more extravagant and harder to acquire. Gold jewelry was the preference of ancient Egyptians because they believed it represents the authority of the Pharaohs, as well as the religious influences of friars. Egyptians were more inclined to put on different colored glass than putting on gemstones. Because they appreciate the effects glass is able to bring more.

They have this certain custom of letting the deceased nobles and pharaohs wear their jewelry to bring with them to the next life. They believe that this will give distinction for their dead leaders in their next life. Sadly, there are only a few pieces of jewelry left for the archaeologists to study on because of the previous grave thefts.

It is believed that 4,000 years ago, the Assyrians loved to wear a great deal of jewelry such as necklaces, amulets, seals, and bracelets. But the descendants of Assyrians, the Greeks, chose not to wear jewelry at all, unless there were special occasions.

Romans resembled the Greeks in their practice of wearing jewelry. They also did not wear them, except if there were celebrations. There were instances when they wore it in public to fend off evil spirits. Under the rule and influence of Romans, Britain would usually fashion jewelry from fossilized wood for the nobles on the island.

Following the Roman Empire's downfall, jewelry designs became more intricate. The Celts took pleasure in crafting quaint jewelry that highlights religious images. The practice continued throughout the Middle Ages especially among eminent soldiers. These were used to depict esteem and discrepancy among all others.

The soldiers, during the Middle Ages, made use of weapons with jewelry to show their high-ranking power and reputation in the battlefield. Similarly, those who had high position in the church wore gold and rings with gems to denote their status. There was a huge evolution in jewelry all throughout the history.

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