Jewelry: now and then
In ancient times people appreciated art in various ways. Jewelry making was one of the forms of art which was useful to express beauty and elegance. Early examples of jewellery were made from teeth, bones, shells, stone and wood. The men and women of ancient times were equally fond of ornaments. It had multipurpose uses, initially had a functional nature and was probably used to fasten clothing and as a weapon, it was later on that it was used for aesthetic and decorative purposes. Although jewellery was initially functional, in many cultures it began to develop into taking on a more religious role and was often used as a symbol to ward off evil and to heal the body, also to offer the god’s, people used metal like gold and silver in making jewelry. In the ancient world gold was the preferred metal for making jewellery. It was rare, did not tarnish and best of all it was malleable, so it could be worked fairly easily. Magnificent bracelets, pendants, halsketten( necklaces ), hochzeit schmuck ( wedding ring), armlets, earrings, diadems, head ornaments, pectoral ornaments and collars of gold were all produced in ancient Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs. Many excavators have found out the gold deposits in the pyramids, where the mummies of kings and queens were kept.
The purpose of jewellery has changed very little over time. It is still used to show wealth or religious status. But the way it is wore and the materials used in making accessories have undergone a sea change. Materials like pearls, beads, jute, leather, peppier Mache, Bakelite plastic, wood, bone, stone, oxidized metal, horn, lac, terracotta, etc and metals like platinum, copper, zirconium, etc are used in various amount to get desired jewelry. Precious gemstones such as diamond, ruby, topaz, emerald, are evergreen in the production and consumption of jewelry. Although gold and silver jewelry are the most popular but many other things are combined with them to make elegant ornaments. With the improvements in technology, jewellery can be more elaborate and manufactured at a lower cost, making it available to the masses. With new and unusual designs, shapes and colors, and patterns one can own jewelry which offers plethora of choices. Since the prices are cheap of jewelry nowadays, one can get a wide variety and also keep up with the changing fashion. Jewellery has stood the test of time and is here to stay.
