A Short History Of Jewelry

gallery of the animal kingdom, it is solely humanThe gemstones of ancient times, though
beings who seek to adorn themselves. long agoconsidered "precious" then, are not in the
as the Neanderthal age, jewelry played an integral"precious stone" class of modern times.Until
part in society; Indeed articles of jewelry haverecently in the jewelry industry, only four
now been found in pre-historic Africa dating backgemstones were considered "precious", Ruby,
seventy five thousand years.Emerald, Diamond and Sapphire. However, earlier
Throughout history jewelry has been used toin history Diamonds were not revered as color
adorn and beautify, but it has also had another,was considered the all important variable. In
spiritual role. Jewelry has long been used as antoday's market, conversely, "precious" and "semi
amulet endowing the wearer with magical powers.precious" stones as categories have been largely
In fact, to fully comprehend why jewelry hasretired and Gemstones are revered for their
been so revered through the ages it is importantrarity and intrinsic beauty instead. tanzanite
to be aware of mankind's long held belief thatjewelry, as an example, is now as widely revered
precious stones could closely impact on theas blue sapphire jewelry
fortunes of the bearer. Jewelry was made withIn modern times, jewelry has progressed from a
certain principles in mind; namely to conform tobasic ornamental or amulet role to a more
and fortify beliefs. This was especially true whenpragmatic one. Jewels have become used as a
religions began to develop an important sociologicalsymbol of position in society and of wealth .
bond.When assuming this role, they became an
In fact, jewelry has long been intimatelyinvestment of marketable value. Indeed, the
associated with religious rites. Jewelry was usedconcept of jewelry as easily liquidated and
as a gift to facilitate worship. Similarly, began theportable wealth became an important part of
notion that benefits could be gleaned from theirEuropean politics as far back as the middle ages.
wear and consequently there developed anCrown jewels were often used during the religious
complex network of fictitious powers beingwars to guarantee foreign loans. .
attributed to them. Interestingly, although theseIn history the 3 fundamental parts that jewelry
powers and the legends that went with them arehas played, the ornament, the amulet and the
widespread across numerous religions and partssymbol of wealth, have remained true throughout
of the world they are remarkably homogenoushistory and are as applicable today as they were
with jewels and precious stones common tothousands of years ago. Jewelry is and will remain
various parts of the world thought to converan intrinsic part of human society and human
similar values to their wearerpsyche.