History of Jewelry
The name “jewelry” comes from the Latin word “jocale” meaning “plaything” . The word “jewel” comes from the Old French word “joule”. Today, Jewelry is synonymous with the words pretty, beautiful, and bling!
Jewelry has been an essential item for mankind, just like clothing and food, since the beginning of existence. The earliest forms of jewelry were made by putting holes into the shells of mollusks and then stringing them. This was way back in the Middle Stone Age- 75000-100000 years ago! Jewelry became very widespread and used primarily for adornment about 40,000 years ago, when mankind started migrating and trading.
Jewellery has since evolved through the ages. The Celts used bronze in a lot of their jewelry. The Egyptians were famous for their use of Gold adorned with Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Carnelian and Enamels. They also used gemstone and glass beads. The Egyptians believed that jewelry possessed magical powers and brought good luck.
The Romans and Greeks were also known for their jewelry and the use of gold and silver to make coins. Romans loved wearing a ton of rings on the same finger and the use of Jet and coral, among other semi-precious gemstones. Jewelry was primarily worn by only the most upper class or to ward off evil. The Egyptians, Roman and Greeks made necklaces, bracelets and earrings a main-stay in fashion and art.
With the start of European explorations to other continents, Pearls started to become a status symbol. Semi-precious gemstones started to become more affordable for those that weren’t royalty. Today, Jewellery is still a status symbol, carries a religious significance, and is used to adorn oneself.
