Brief History of Jewellery Trends
Jewellery History: What You Need to Know
Jewellry is an art, a form of expression, the kind of Jewellery one wears can say a lot about one's personality. People have been wearing jewellery throughout history irrespective of race, region or culture. The form, style and purpose of Jewellery has changed, but it still is a very important part of one's personality.
Jewellery has been made with materials ranging from bones, seashells, feathers, wood, stones and metals. It's significance is culture specific and has been an interesting read for gemologists or for that matter anyone interested in Jewellery. The art of Jewellery making was always inline with all other artistic movements of the times. It mirrored the society and trends of a given time. The aspirations, desires and dreams of a generation were very well reflected in the art of Jewellery making of those times.
Jewellery can be versatile and worn differently for different occasions and purposes. In present times Jewellery is about feeling good and feeling important. It is like sending a message to oneself. Women wear jewellery to feel beautiful. It brings a feminine energy to their whole self. Men too indulge in jewellry to feel confident and important. Modern Jewellery is all about glamour and fashion.
The history of Jewellery can be traced back to times when people used it as a tool to protect themselves from wild animals and wore it all the time. They also wore it as a part of superstition, to ward of any evil. It served many more practical purposes in ancient times.
As time advanced it became more sophisticated and was used to show one's status symbol and was collected as a form of wealth. The use of different metals for Jewellery was purely hierarchical. Different ages in history represent different stages of Jewellery making and its significance.
During the Renaissance period, which was the rediscovery of the classical world, the practice of depicting mythological scenes became a part of Jewellery designs.There was a lot of color shine and flamboyance. This period was all about magnificence. It was very much evident in the vibrant and colourful jewellery of those times.
Later in the 17th century it moved to more ornamental styles that used gold and also diamonds. The shift in the 18th century was completely on showcasing diamonds and keeping the design and metal hidden. People started looking forward to new trends.
Later in the 19th century the focus shifted from wealth to art. Jewellry was available for the middle class as well. The Industrial revolution played a big role in making it reach the masses. Imitation Jewellery became popular. The entire focus was on execution of beautiful designs and stones were used because they were beautiful and not for their monetary value. New technology and different materials became a part of the Jewellery making process. It continues to the present times where artists continue to experiment and express their art through various designs.
The first decade of the 19th century was entirely focused on reviving classical jewellry. It was inspired by new archeological discoveries and was an attempt to imitate the past. Naturalistic Jewellery, depicting flowers and fruits, also became quite popular due to the influence of Romantic poets like Wordsworth. By the 1850s the delicate designs were replaced with more complex and intricate designs. The last years of the 19th century are marked by arts and crafts movement. It was a result of unease with the industrial revolution. The focus of this movement was on handicrafts and reviving traditional art skills. Imitation and repetition were replaced with exclusivity. During the 1850s and 1900s Art Nouveau jewellery came into being with underlying currents of eroticism and death which was a stark contrast to floral motifs and designs. This was a radical movement that focused on subtle effects on materials like glass and enamel. It culminated in Paris.
Later on during the 1920s to 1950s jewellry continued to be innovative and focused on glamour, despite the world of war and depression around it. New york became the hub of fashion Jewellery and rivalled Paris. This was Art deco movement, where the focus was more on sharp and geometric patterns and simple symmetrical designs. This was a movement which was architectural in form and essence. Gold became popular again. Platinum was used for the first time. Precious stones like coral, agate were quite in use. Artists and designers from other fields were also fascinated by the all enticing world of Jewellery designing. This was a signal of new direction jewellry design was heading towards.
1960s onwards there has been shifts in Jewellery trends each being a challenge to the previous trend. New materials like paper, plastic and textile were used. Jewellery was available to people despite status.The new age of Avante garde artists pushed their limits of designing Jewellery. Materials that were affordable became more popular.
In current times Silver jewellry is extremely popular. It is said to have a cooling effect on the body and is well within the economic grasp.It has taken on gold as a preferred metal for daily wear and on occasions due to its affordability and good looks.
The Fascinating History of Jewellery: From Ancient Times to Modern Fashion
Jewellery has been an integral element of our culture and expression for countless years. From ancient civilizations all the way to current fashions the art of adorning oneself with precious metals gemstones, and other objects has changed, expressing the status of a person's social, cultural beliefs, and individuality. Let's explore an extensive history of Jewellery and explore its evolution through the centuries.
1. Ancient Civilizations: The Origins of Jewellery
The earliest evidence of Jewellery goes back 100 years earlier in the form of basic shells were discovered in an underground cave in Morocco. These first pieces were probably utilized as amulets to signify protection and status or spirituality. As the human civilization grew and grew, so did the sophistication and significance of Jewellery.
Ancient Egypt (3100-30 BC)
Egyptians have been among the first to design elaborate Jewellery employing the precious metals of gold, lapis lazuli, carnelian along with turquoise to create beautiful pieces. Jewellery played an important part in Egyptian culture, indicating the importance of religion as well as social status. Pharaohs, such as those of the famed Tutankhamun were frequently graved with exquisite Jewellery believed to protect during the afterlife. Scarab beetles and the Eye of Horus, and the ankhs became symbols of Egyptian Jewellery.
Mesopotamia (3000-300 BC)
In the past, in Mesopotamia Jewellery was not only worn for aesthetics but also to show wealth. Silver and gold were made into intricate necklaces, headdresses and rings. Floral patterns, such as spirals and leaves were a common feature in designs that reflected the natural world.
Greece and Rome (1600 BC-476 AD)
Greek and Roman Jewellery was heavily in the tradition of mythology. It was frequently used to symbolize the power of God and protect. Greeks prefer simple, elegant designs that included gemstones, gold and pearls. Roman jewellery, on contrary, was more extravagant, typically incorporating garnet, gold, emeralds and diamonds. Rings in particular were a sign of class and status. women and men alike could adorn themselves with various Jewellery pieces.
2. The Middle Ages: Symbolism and Spirituality
Through the Middle Ages (5th to 15th century) Jewellery became more symbolic. Christian symbols, like crosses, were often worn and often had the significance of religion. The amulets as well as the talismans were also very popular and believed to protect the wearer from the evil forces.
In this time, Europe saw the increase in extravagant necklaces, rings as well as necklaces. The most precious stones such as sapphire, amethyst as well as the ruby were used by the wealthy to show their wealth and prestige. Medieval Jewellery also had intricate designs adorned with sacred or heraldic symbols, usually indicating the wearer's loyalty to an elite family or religious organization.
3. The Renaissance: Opulence and Innovation
The Renaissance (14th to 17th century) was a time of rebirth for art and Jewellery was a new frontier of creativity and craft. Discoveries of the new routes of trade opened up access to valuable jewels and stones that came from India as well as from the New World, increasing the quantity of diamonds, emeralds and even pearls within Europe.
Italian jewellers, specifically were famous for their skill in creating elaborate cameos, necklaces or pendants. Goldsmithing took off to high-watermarks in this time and the acclaim of techniques for enameling. Portrait miniatures, lockets and rings with intricate engravings were popular among people of the European elite.
4. The Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian Eras: Romance and Sentimentality
The Georgian period (1714-1830) the jewellery became more elaborate and centered around natural-inspired designs like leaves, flowers and animals. The pieces were usually massive and multi-layered, utilizing the inclusion of diamonds, pearls and colored stones such as amethyst and topaz. In this era, there was also the development of mourning Jewellery that were worn to mark the loss of loved loved ones.
The Victorian period (1837-1901) is one of the most intense sentimental times Jewellery was often a symbol of the loss of loved ones, grief and personal relationships. Lockets, brooches as well as bracelets decorated with initials or small pictures of loved ones were extremely loved. Jet Black, a fossilized hardwood, was widely employed for mourning jewellery. Queen Victoria's love of comeos, serpentine designs and extravagant designs influenced the fashion of jewellery around the world.
In the Edwardian period (1901-1910) the jewellery designs evolved into more sophisticated and delicate and centered around intricate lace-like filigree designs. Pearls and diamonds were the most sought-after stones, usually mounted within platinum which gave jewellery a soft and airy look.
5. Art Nouveau and Art Deco: The Dawn of Modern Jewellery
The 20th century's early years introduced the two main movements in fashion that profoundly influence the jewellery design Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
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Art Nouveau (1890-1910) focused on the feminine form and nature and embodied organic flowing lines and designs inspired by insects, plants, as well as mythical animals. Jewellers such as Rene Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany explored new materials such as glasses as well as enamel to create distinct elegant designs.
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Art Deco (1920-1935) On the other hand, was marked through geometric shapes, strong lines and vibrant colors. Influenced by modern machines and technology, the Art Deco style embraced innovation by using platinum and white gold and rare gems such as lapis and onyx to create stunning pieces. The period also witnessed an increase in the demand in wedding rings that solidified the diamond as an emblem for forever love.
6. Modern Jewellery: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
The world of jewellery is constantly evolving, blending traditional techniques with the latest fashions. Between the 21st and 20th century saw an increase in personalizing Jewellery such as customized Jewellery with birthstones to engraving necklaces. Materials such as titanium and recycled metals are becoming more fashionable, reflecting an increasing awareness of the importance of sustainable development.
Contemporary jewellery designers such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co. as well as Bulgari continue to push the boundaries and create classic pieces which reflect the influence of history and contemporary fashion trends. Simple design as well as statements pieces are in harmony, allowing individuals to express their unique style in an endless array of ways.
Conclusion
Jewellery has remained a constant way of expressing yourself throughout the history of mankind that has transcended the boundaries of time, culture, and fashion trends. From ancient amulets from Egypt to the striking Art Deco designs of the 20th century, Jewellery remains an expression of beauty, power and individual identity. As we advance the rich history Jewellery continues to invigorate new generations of artists or wearers of all kinds, keeping its timeless appeal.