The Colorful History of Jewelry
For centuries, men and women wore jewelry of different kinds ? from garlands of flowers and woven glasses to shells and stones. These were the very first decorations ever to accessorize the human body.
For over 50,000 years, jewelry materials and styles have evolved with the changes of civilization, matching the eras of Rock, Bronze and Iron Ages as much as the Industrial Revolution. However, somewhere within these eras, jewelry always returns to its simplest, natural form.
Jewelry will come in many forms. However, regardless of form, size and texture, jewelry symbolizes different things such as religion, love, prestige, class, prosperity, rank or authority.
Where Jewelry All Began
Each kind of jewelry originates from various cultures and places. For instance, rings were given as reward by clergies. Rings also symbolized authority and used by officials as signet rings. Others also considered rings as sources of magical powers and proved helpful as protectors against bad spirits and physical foes. Other jewelries were used with regard to rank and identification. Bands were used as keys to key in various political, educational and religious organizations.
In some cultures, jewelry was used for trading. In fact, a Dutch immigrant bought an island (which is now known as New york) from Native Americans in exchange for Western jewelry beads. Imagine purchasing a piece of land in Manhattan for only two sets of pearl necklaces, which Jacques Cartier did around 1920s. Today, that piece of land is where the first Cartier jewelry store is located.
In battles, some cultures used different kinds of jewelries to protect their warriors from enemies. Kings, knights and other expert figures also used jewelry to symbolize their rank and energy.
Different jewelries, such as gemstones, beads, metals or pearls, carried a variety of significance, meanings and intentions, which demonstrated the cultural and historical value of each piece. Additional pieces of jewelry were used as symbols of love, containing the other fifty percent?s hair or family portrait.
Jewelry in the 21st Century
Just as culture and religion evolved via history, jewelry changed its meaning, symbolisms and intentions through time. Many people began to attach jewelry to different parts of the body.
For instance, India remains one of the largest sources of luxurious jewelry as women adorned themselves with jewelry from their hairs to their toes. As jewellery evolved, it was used as accessories for clothing, shoes, totes and even furniture. Today, all kinds of jewelry styles ? from ancient to modern ? are available for both collectors and consumers, allowing both men and women to enjoy the various types of precious stones, pearls, metals and other kinds of elements available to man
Learn more about outdoor playsets at the author’s site. Also visit playground slides to see more on that subject.
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