| Aside from the sheer joy we receive from | | | | Others, both men and women, wear jewelry |
| wearing a lovely piece of jewelry, owning various | | | | solely as personal adornments. The appearance of |
| displays of gems, precious stones, gold and other | | | | the jewelry with the outfit is cosmetic only. It is |
| metals holds symbolic references for many | | | | not important whether the pieces are fine jewelry |
| people. Jewelry and its raw materials are | | | | or fashion jewelry as long as they complement |
| commodities upon which a whole environment of | | | | the clothing and the personality. And the jewelry |
| speculation occurs. In other instances, the actual | | | | may be flamboyant or demure depending on the |
| pieces of jewelry become investments for | | | | person's mood. |
| collectors. Elaborate jewelry is a way of life for | | | | Further, jewelry denotes membership in clubs |
| some cultures. And for others, jewelry is a | | | | such as fraternities, personal achievements such |
| frivolous bobble to dress up an outfit. Whatever | | | | as graduation rings from a particular educational |
| significance jewelry holds for the individual, there is | | | | institute, and even family heritage. Certain families |
| no doubt that jewelry is important in most | | | | have their coat of arms engraved on brooches |
| cultures for diverse reasons. | | | | and rings and often these pieces are handed |
| When costume jewelry was less popular and | | | | down through the generations. Family heirlooms |
| before it was seen as a fashion statement, there | | | | are passed on from ancestors keeping the |
| was a specific line drawn between those who | | | | secrets or stories of the family alive. Take for |
| could afford to wear fine jewelry and those who | | | | instance, Aunt Mable's enchanting love story that |
| could only wear imitations. Fine jewelry wearers, | | | | goes along with her pretty strand of white pearls. |
| especially those who could afford luxury jewelry, | | | | The story is equally as important as the pearls so |
| wore gaudy rings, brooches, and bracelets to | | | | each new generation hears the legend to |
| show their wealth. The higher their financial status | | | | perpetuate forever. |
| or the higher their position in society, the more | | | | Lastly, jewelry is an investment. Rare pieces that |
| items they wore and the more expensive the | | | | hold historic significance are collected, insured and |
| pieces. Jewelry represented their notion of wealth. | | | | considered valuable assets. In fact, nowadays the |
| Traditionally for many women, the only time they | | | | pieces do not have to be antique to be |
| received a fine piece of jewelry was for special | | | | considered worthy. If the piece was worn or |
| occasions. Almost all North American women | | | | owned by a celebrity, that is appealing to others |
| owned one piece of gold with a diamond and that | | | | creating intrinsic value. And although gold prices |
| was their wedding ring sets. As the couples grew | | | | have fluctuated over time, there is still merit in |
| older and they could afford more, the men might | | | | keeping gold in a portfolio. |
| give the women a ring or necklace on the birth of | | | | In summary, jewelry is one of those odd |
| their children. In fact, a special Mother's ring is set | | | | creations with universal appeal. It breaks through |
| with the birthstones of each child. Thus, jewelry | | | | all cultures and has different meanings in various |
| worn by wives and mothers represents love and | | | | circumstances. |
| momentous occasions. | | | | |