A Journey Through The History of Jewellery: Our Enduring Fascination

A Journey Through The History of Jewellery: Our Enduring Fascination

A Journey Through The History of Jewellery: Our Enduring Fascination

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Embark on a captivating journey through the history of jewellery UK, a tale as old as humanity itself. In tracing the evolution of these precious objects, we uncover profound insights into human nature – our hopes, beliefs, desires, and even our need for self-expression and belonging. Deeply rooted here at Carathea, and Jools our high street store's heritage, we understand that jewellery is far more than mere adornment. It’s a powerful form of communication, a personal statement, and often a tangible connection to cherished memories.

From ancient amulets to modern masterpieces, we’ll explore the fascinating story of how jewellery has evolved, revealing why we continue to wear it today for many of the same reasons it was worn since time immemorial.

Ancient Beginnings: The Dawn of Adornment

Ancient Burial skeletons with jewellery. Credit: Wikimedia: Photograph by Rama, Wikimedia Commons, Cc-by-sa-2.0-fr

Credit: Photograph by Rama, Wikimedia Commons, Cc-by-sa-2.0-fr
Small pieces of jewellery were worn in times past in much the same way as we wear them today

 

The desire to adorn ourselves is deeply ingrained, making jewellery one of the most ancient archaeological findings. The earliest known jewellery dates back an astonishing 100,000 years – a collection of beads made from shells discovered near Mount Carmel in Israel. Prior to this, pierced shells found in South Africa and later discoveries in Algeria and Morocco pushed back the timeline of human adornment. Even early humans are believed to have taught Neanderthals how to craft pendants from bear teeth.

Early humans adorned themselves with what was readily available from nature: animal teeth and bones, feathers, grasses, and shells (including those of ostriches). Archaeological digs, particularly of burial sites, have revealed much about ancient jewellery, as many items were buried with their owners, believed to accompany their spirit into the afterlife. The famous discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb in 1922, for instance, unearthed countless pieces gilded in gold, showcasing the artistry of ancient Egyptian jewellers.

Small pieces of jewellery were worn in much the same way we wear them today – as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants, often affixed to clothing as brooches.

Why We Wear It: Function, Symbolism & Status

Throughout history, humans have crafted and worn jewellery for a multitude of compelling reasons:

  • Function: Initially, jewellery served practical purposes. Hairpins and brooches, for example, held clothing or hair in place, gradually evolving into more decorative items.
  • Adornment: Simply put, looking good has always been important. Both men and women in ancient times wore jewellery, often displayed prominently on breastplates or sword sheaths.
  • Amulets and Symbols: Jewellery symbolism has profoundly influenced design. Great importance was placed on pleasing deities and warding off evil, leading to the creation of talismans believed to offer protection or supernatural powers. The Egyptian Ankh, a symbol of life, is a classic example still worn today. Gold, prized for its non-tarnishing nature, was often associated with everlasting life and the Sun God Ra. Hunting trophies, like animal teeth, were worn to display strength and prowess, a practice that continues today with the awarding of medals for acts of valour.
  • Social Standing: Certain pieces of jewellery historically signified rank and hierarchical status. In ancient Rome, only specific ranks could wear rings. Laws often dictated who could wear certain types of jewellery, reinforcing social hierarchy through the rarity and value of materials used, such as gold. Pearls, for instance, were worn by nobility to demonstrate wealth, a testament to the time and rarity involved in their natural formation. At Carathea, while we offer beautiful pearl jewellery, the availability of cultured pearls means their elegance is now accessible to almost anyone.
  • Religion and Rites of Passage: Jewellery often serves as a visible declaration of religious commitment or a marker of significant life events. A cross or Star of David pendant can be a deeply personal and public statement of faith. Similarly, a wedding ring clearly signifies commitment to another. Milestones like significant birthdays are often celebrated with special jewellery tokens, concretising the occasion. Even the Crown Jewels of a nation stand as symbols of wealth, solidity, and continuation of monarchy. We offer a beautiful range of cross pendants and wedding rings to mark these important life moments.
  • Attraction: Much like a bird displaying its plumage, humans have used jewellery to draw attention and attract mates. Pieces strategically highlight attractive features, such as earrings drawing the eye to earlobes or pendants accentuating the décolletage.

The Evolution of Materials & Techniques

As human ingenuity advanced, so did the materials and methods used in jewellery making. The discovery of alloys (mixtures of metals to enhance malleability) revolutionised crafting, with nearly every known metal alloy having been used at some point. Early examples include copper, valued for its ease of shaping, and bronze, extensively used in Roman times.

The use of precious stones like rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds, alongside semi-precious stones such as amethyst and topaz, has been a constant since ancient times. Techniques evolved from simple hammering and polishing to intricate stone-cutting, soldering, forging, and casting. This specialisation led to the emergence of skilled trades like silversmiths, goldsmiths, and gemcutters.

The concept of birthstones, linked to the twelve precious gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate in the Bible, emerged from ancient traditions, connecting specific gems to months and zodiac signs. Discover your own special stone in our exquisite collection of birthstone jewellery.

Journey Through the Ages: Key Jewellery Eras

Jewellery trends have always mirrored the prevailing artistic, social, and political currents of the day:

  • Medieval Times (1200-1500): With gem cutting yet to be invented, the size and colour of stones were paramount. Enamelling became popular, creating vibrant, smooth finishes. Jewellery was often worn as protective emblems, with inscriptions or symbols like the evil eye and hamsa hand. Our range includes popular St Christopher pendants, continuing the tradition of protective adornment.
  • The Renaissance (14th-17th Century): Jewellery became more extravagant with the advent of gem cutting, enhancing stone brilliance through light refraction. Intricate carvings and engraving flourished, often depicting religious or mythological themes and even portraits.
  • 17th and 18th Centuries: Stone cutting techniques continued to improve, allowing diamonds to sparkle beautifully even in candlelight. Large stones were often set into breastplates, and increased global trade brought a wider array of gemstones.
  • 19th Century (Victorian Era): This era saw craftsmen recreating ancient pieces with advanced methods. Influenced by poetry and nature, floral designs became hugely popular, a trend still seen in flower jewellery today. While men largely moved away from wearing jewellery (except for wedding rings), women's jewellery became more diverse.
  • Modern Times (20th Century Onwards): The early 20th century saw a return to craftsmanship with movements like Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau. Later, mass production coexisted with highly artistic, brand-led creations. Modern trends include the resurgence of men wearing stainless steel jewellery and the enduring appeal of personalised pieces, much like the modern charm bead systems that allow for unique, individualised bracelets. At Carathea, we champion beautifully made jewellery from trusted suppliers, focusing on quality and timeless design that ensures your piece is a lasting investment.

The Lasting Legacy of Adornment

The history of jewellery is a testament to humanity's enduring creativity and our deep-seated needs for expression, connection, and meaning. At Carathea, our role as your trusted jeweller is to offer beautiful, well-made pieces  that continue this rich tradition. Whether you are seeking a piece that tells a story, marks a milestone, or simply adds a touch of beauty to your everyday, we are here to help you find the perfect high-quality jewellery to celebrate life's special moments.

We hope you've enjoyed this journey through the captivating history of jewellery. We'd love to hear your thoughts or any historical insights you might have! Please comment below to share your perspective.

Sources:

https://www.royal.uk/crown-jewels

V& A Museum –The History of Jewellery 

New Scientist, Neanderthals may have learned jewellery making from us. May 2020.


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