Jewelry is a form of personal adornment commonly worn by men and women alike, but few people are aware of some of the more interesting facts about this fashion accessory. Whether selecting a ring, necklace or set of earrings, jewelry comes in a variety of types and styles that each have their own unique story to tell. Among common forms of jewelry, here are several that have interesting histories:
Diamond Jewelry: A Modern Creation
Among the most prized types of jewelry, diamond jewelry is considered to be the most beautiful, elegant and expensive. While nobody can argue that diamond jewelry offers a brilliant and stylish appearance, its preeminent place in the world of romance is what makes it truly special. While most might think that diamond jewelry has been popular for centuries, surprisingly it is a fairly modern creation. Recognizing that the diamond was a perfect symbol for the romantic relationship in 1947, De Beers promoted the diamond’s beauty, symbolism and permanence in a marketing campaign. The tag line “A Diamond is Forever” was born and with it diamond jewelry became ingrained in the consciousness of women all over the globe as the most meaningful form of jewelry. Clearly, even if the appeal of diamond jewelry is a fairly recent occurrence, the characteristics of the stone have made it incredibly popular.
Birthstone Jewelry: A Biblical Beginning
For those that appreciate a deeper meaning in the items they wear, birthstone jewelry offers a great mixture of style and substance. While the history of birthstones is unclear, mankind has always been drawn to the use of natural materials deemed sacred or special and birthstone jewelry is a perfect example. Many scholars believe that the creation of birthstones stems from the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment said to have twelve embedded gemstones said to be the first example of birthstone jewelry. Whether this Old Testament story is true or not, today gemstones of all types can be found in birthstone jewelry of all types with meanings as varied as the people that wear it.
Natural Pearl Jewelry Coveted by All
The beautiful pearl has a fascinating history and its use in pearl jewelry is even more interesting. Produced by shelled mollusks, the ideal pearl is perfectly round, smooth and lustrous, which is why so many covet pearl jewelry. Due to its popularity, the natural pearl has been duplicated in several ways to meet the demand of the pearl jewelry market including the farming of cultured pearls and the creation of imitations. Regardless, natural pearls are still the most highly valued and generally come in eight basic shapes for use in pearl jewelry: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, and circled. Most necklaces use semi-round pearls, earrings use the pear shape and pendants frequently use button pearls. No matter one’s preference for different types and styles, pearl jewelry has something for everyone.
The Evolving History of Bridal Jewelry
Weddings are a special occasion and bridal jewelry can add a touch of elegance to bride and bridesmaids dresses, however bridal jewelry is much more than just attractive. Dating back to the Roman times, bridal jewelry in the form of an iron band was worn as a symbol of marriage that continued for thousands of years. In time gold was adopted for use in important ceremonies and rituals, but styles of bridal jewelry continue to evolve. Since access to diamonds was very limited, they were not widely used in bridal jewelry until 1477 when Maximilian of Austria married Mary of Burgundy and presented her with a beautiful diamond engagement ring. Needless to say, bridal jewelry has not been the same since…
Fashion Jewelry Built for Fun
People of all types enjoy jewelry of many types, however fashion jewelry is often the first to be overlooked. Also known by the term costume jewelry and faux, fashion jewelry was first seen in the 1930s as an inexpensive accessory meant to be worn with a specific outfit. Since it was intended to be stylish and disposable, fashion jewelry contradicts the traditional notion of jewelry as an identifier of social class. Intended to be fun, creative and trendy, fashion jewelry is enjoyed by fashionistas of all types seeking to complement their wardrobe in an attractive and interesting way. Furthermore, a wide number of famous women have popularized fashion jewelry including: Coco Chanel, Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis and Audrey Hepburn. As anyone can see, despite being inexpensive and non-traditional, fashion jewelry deserves greater respect as a form of popular expression and embellishment.
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Lawrence P. Rowland III is a jewelry specialist that makes finding the perfect piece of jewelry easy. An expert in diamond jewelry, bridal jewelry, pearl jewelry and more, he focuses on national retailers like Zales Jewelers http://www.zales.com/ to find the most contemporary styles at the best prices.
