To write meaningfully about jewellery we would need to write a book. There are already numerous books on the subject in addition to a wealth of information available on the Internet so this missive is presented more as a short hand guide.
Jewellery in one form or another is one of the oldest forms of ornamentation and decorative art known to man. Men and women have worn jewellery since prehistoric times to enhance appearance, to display status, wealth or grief and to affirm love, friendship, and loyalty. The manufacture of jewellery may well be the second oldest known profession, and some might argue not unrelated to the oldest profession!!!!!!!
Garnet Necklet
Most surviving examples of jewellery date from the 1700’s or later – very early pieces are rare – and many are in good condition, having been carefully preserved for reasons of sentimental value.
Enamelled Silver Bracelet
Jewellery designs are infinitely varied, and are produced using a wide range of techniques and materials, including precious metals, gemstones and hard stones, enamels, wood, glass, ceramics, iron and even human hair. Jewellery often has symbolic or personal significance, the most obvious being mourning jewellery that dates back from the 1600’s, and hair jewellery, formed from the intricately woven locks of a love one’s hair.
Victorian Mourning Brooch
There is an enormous diversity of jewellery being collected from early plastic items, through such relatively inexpensive materials as marcasites set in silver, stained horn, up to the highly prized and precious items that usually dignify the name. While demand for jewellery is strong in nearly all areas, from Victorian silver to diamond tiaras the one requirement throughout is quality, good design and delicate workmanship which can count for a lot more than a bucket full of poor quality diamonds.
Diamond Solitaire Ring
Jewellery are objects, whatever material they are made of, that we use to ornament ourselves. Whether put, pierced through, or hung on our body, there function is to show or pretend our status. It is obvious that the choice of the jewel clearly depends on the environment one is in. A very rare bead or shell chain can, in a primitive society, have the same value as the Cullinian diamond would have in ours (Just to mention one sparkling carbuncle).
Jewellery is often created for a special occasion or reason to show that the wearer follows a certain sport, belongs to a certain club i.e. sports club, hunting club, free masons etc. It can also be created for a special happening or event i.e. a coronation, change of seasons, end of war, preventing a war, sun eclipse, a falling star ( Haley’s Comet) etc.
Jewellery can also be regional, implying that the wearer belongs to a specific group, race, faith, social status, region – rich/poor, free/engaged/married/widow etc
Jewellery is often created for a special occasion or reason to show that the wearer follows a certain sport, belongs to a certain club i.e. sports club, hunting club, free masons etc. It can also be created for a special happening or event i.e. a coronation, change of seasons, end of war, preventing a war, sun eclipse, a falling star ( Haley’s Comet) etc.
Jewellery can also be regional, implying that the wearer belongs to a specific group, race, faith, social status, region – rich/poor, free/engaged/married/widow etc
Lisu Hill Tribe Jewellery – Thailand
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