Current fashion trends see jewellery as an integral part of every woman’s or man’s look. All kinds of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches. In fact, also glasses or shoes are an accent that highlights a person’s image. History of adorning oneself is ancient, rich and infinitely interesting, because, as a matter of fact, the origins of bijoux can be traced as far back as the first people.
Exclusive jewellery nowadays is a part of everyday life. But what is the true history of jewellery and did it serve as an accessory in the beginning? In fact, the ancient ornaments were not jewelry as in the modern sense – they did not serve the purpose of adornment at all.
The painted body was also jewellery
Historical facts and archaeological excavations show that the traces and paintings on the body and the face are also the basic elements of accessorizing. The main functions of jewellery and paintings were several:
• protecting amulets;
• gave health and success;
• also used in various rituals.
The materials from which the first jewellery was made
The first ornaments that can be defined as jewelleryin the modern sense were made from available natural materials such as stones, bones, teeth, animal skin, shells, plants. Over the last decade, Norwegian archaeologists have found the oldest ornament in South Africa, which was made of a shell with a hole in the chin that consisted of 41 pearls.
The origin and history of jewellery
So popular rings appeared in ancient Egypt during the reign of the Pharaohs and marked the status of the people who has power. It was also the main use of rings, which affirmed belonging to the highest society. Egyptians also had massive necklaces in several layers, symbolizing the world structure and sunshine.
Also, earrings were symbol of social status. For example, one item in a single ear for Europeans pointed to its low segment, while in Ancient Rome one earring was for slaves, in medieval Europe they were pirates, fraudsters and gypsies.