Jewelry History

The history of jewelry is very long. About 40,000 years ago, the jewelry items made by the Cro-Magnons, (ancestors of Homo sapiens), were crude necklaces and bracelets of bone, teeth and stone, that were hung on the pieces of strings or animal sinew. The first sign of copper jewelry were seen around 7,000 years ago.

Africa

About 3000 to 5000 years ago the footprints of established jewelry were found in Ancient Egypt. The luxury and rarity of gold was preferred by Egyptians over other metals. In the Egypt community jewelry was the symbol of religious power. Jewelry was worn by the wealthy people all the time, even after their death. Usually jewelry items were placed among the grave goods. Colored glasses were used in place of precious gems. Different colors of jewelry signified different things, like green jewelry signified new growth for crops and fertility. Huge workshops, that were attached to the temples or palaces, used to make the jewelry.

Europe and the Middle East

About 4000 years ago, in Mesopotamia, jewelry making became a significant craft. Jewelries were made for human use and for beautifying the statues as well. Men and women both wore jewelries like amulets, ankle bracelets and heavy multi strand necklaces. An array of sophisticated metalworking techniques were used for making these jewelries.

In Greece, beads were produced in the shapes of shells and animals, in the earlier times. Gold and gems were used in jewelries in 1400 BC. Till 300 BC, the Greeks had mastered the use of amethysts, pearl and emeralds in jewelries. Jewelries were often used as a gift item and worn by women to show their wealth, social status and beauty. The Greeks took designs from outer origins, such as Asia.

About 2000 years ago, the Romans imported Sri Lankan sapphires and Indian diamonds. They also started using emeralds and amber in their jewelry. By the 17th century, trade leads and exploration lead to the availability of an vast array of gemstones. Gemstones and its settings dominated in this era. This period also saw the starting of costume jewelry. In 1980s, jewelers explored the positives of Art Nouveau style. Attitudes of people changed at the end of first world war. the aftereffects of the war,led to simpler forms, combined with more effective manufacturing for mass production of high-quality jewelry.

Asia

In Asia jewelry making started in China around 5000 years ago. From that time till now, the jewelry designs in China has remained religious oriented. The Chinese often placed their jewelry in their graves. In 1500 BC, India was creating gold earrings and necklaces, bead necklaces and metallic bangles. India was the first country to mine diamonds, with some mines dating back to 296 BC. In India today, bangles are made out of metal or glass.