| ry is one of the many adornments that have evolved | | | | at this time were also using the same type of gold in |
| and changed over time. These changes, and even | | | | their jewelry and coins as the Italians and this gold |
| the use of jewelry, is not universal over different | | | | was all 18 to 24 carat, with various gems, including |
| cultures. As a matter of fact, it seems to be | | | | most of what are now considered precious gems |
| completely opposite between different groups, times | | | | within their jewelry creations. |
| and even in different countries. Religions have also | | | | In medieval times England and France passed what |
| used jewelry or rejected jewelry as a personal | | | | are known as Sumptuary Laws, which restricted the |
| adornment, often using the same text or scripture to | | | | wearing of ornate jewelry by all but royalty. By the |
| reference why jewelry should or should not be worn. | | | | 17th century this tradition had completely reversed |
| In earliest recorded times in many different cultures | | | | itself with everyone wearing as much jewelry as |
| jewelry was used as a sign of status and power. It is | | | | possible in these countries. Interestingly enough most |
| believed that that the Egyptians and Romans e were | | | | of the daily jewelry wasn't even real, paste gems, |
| among the first to create and value jewelry as a | | | | fake pearls and even ornamental but artificially |
| fashion adornment, although other groups used | | | | gemmed clasps to fasten clothing were all the rage, |
| jewelry for specific groups within the culture. This | | | | regardless of your position in society. Of course the |
| jewelry was typically gold and also large pieces, similar | | | | wealthiest wore only the real thing for formal dress, |
| to the cuff bracelets and heavy pendants that are | | | | however they still used faux jewelry for everyday. |
| still very much in vogue today. The Greeks soon | | | | From that point on jewelry became a significant part |
| branched out into different forms of jewelry including | | | | of Western culture. Everything from the cameo |
| beading, delicate gold earrings and chains and even | | | | made famous by Napoleon to what is now known as |
| the smaller, finer rings that featured gemstones such | | | | Victorian jewelry from Queen Victoria's reign starting |
| as garnets, amethysts, pearls and emeralds. This was | | | | in 1837, jewelry has been in vogue as part of fashion |
| all done before 1400 BC, meaning that these early | | | | and everyday dress. |
| Greek jewelers were already on the cutting edge of | | | | Most cultures have used materials in jewelry making |
| fashion. | | | | in two ways, easily available materials for daily wear |
| At around 800 BC the Italians also created their own | | | | and rare or valuable items in high end fashion pieces. |
| gold jewelry that included necklaces, bracelets and | | | | Each culture has determined what is the style for the |
| earrings. One of the unique and highly fashionable | | | | period, often resulting in marked differences between |
| pieces of jewelry in that time period was a necklace | | | | one fashion era to the next. The great news is that |
| with a hollow pendant that could be filled with a | | | | there is a considerable market in vintage jewelry and |
| perfume of the wearer's choice, perhaps a necessity | | | | even older pieces are still highly valued and can make |
| considering the conditions of the time. The Romans | | | | a terrific addition to anyone's jewelry collection. |