Jewellery through Time

The history of jewellery has endured thousands of years and with that we were given insights on its transformation from simply being a symbol of status to being an artistic display. Since time immemorial, artistic display of jewellery has been its primary function but it was somehow overshadowed by other roles such as currency, dowry, wealth status, protection and symbolism. It was not until the late 19th century that art began taking its glory over function and wealth. Jewellery in earlier times has been used as dowry or currency for trade. Amulets in form of jewellery were believed to have certain powers protecting our ancestors from evil spirits. Wealth and status were measured by the show of quantity and quality of jewellery. Mostly the priced, expensive, precious and elaborate jewels belong to the high nobility. Display of such jewels in public somehow maintains their status, rank and standing among peers. Jewellery is also symbolic in terms of group – as in the case of Christian crucifix, the fisherman’s ring, and the wedding ring of married couples in western practice. The first signs of jewellery were uncovered in a cave in South Africa where the jewellery consisted of a pea-sized shell beads attached to a necklace or bracelet aging 75,000 years old. After that another African beads were discovered dating back from 45,000 years ago. Most ancient people made use of jewellery in forms of animal teeth, carved stones, bones, shell and wood. Jewellery made from natural things simply evolved into ornaments of metal unadorned with colour. After 400 B.C. setting precious stones artistically into gold was used. Massive use of jewellery in forms of brooches, rings, precious stones, glass beads and heavy chain links in gold was dominant in the middle age. Costume jewellery became widespread, gem-cutting techniques have advanced and new manufacturing methods have been applied to jewellery. Imitation of pearls drastically followed. Artistry of workmanship declined with the introduction of factory-made ornaments. Costume jewellery was soon blooming and there was a renewal of enthusiasm for hand wrought pieces. As manufacturing techniques advanced, the use of more hollow jewellery was used and worn by larger population. More effective manufacturing led to mass production of high-quality jewellery. Modern jewellery is considered not as diverse as it is today. At the end of World War II the interest in artistic and leisurely pursuits was renewed. Advances in pearl harvesting contributed to the development of improved quality artificial gemstones. Cultural influence is also evident in modern bling-bling jewellery. Designs have blended from many different cultures over period of time.

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Ciaran of Dublin
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Jun 24 2008