Jewelry is an art that began millions of years ago.
In fact, there are known pieces that date back to the Stone Age.
They used natural materials that they had available to make accessories.
Pieces dating back to the Paleolithic have been found, such as necklaces and bracelets made of bone. Other materials, such as stone, were often used.
Neanderthals also made pieces with other materials, such as marble.
Later, in the time of ancient Egypt approximately 5,000 years ago, they used precious materials.
The manufactured pieces, partly because of their high cost, were not available to everyone, so they constituted a symbol of power.
They were often used in graves as they were believed to help achieve eternal life.
Later, the Greek civilization, about 1,600 years ago, began to introduce more advanced techniques such as casting. Later, they began to introduce the use of precious stones such as emeralds and pearls.
They were often used as gifts for special occasions and for protection because they were believed to confer certain powers.
Pieces such as necklaces, hair ornaments and headbands have been found.
Jewelery in Rome introduced innovations such as the use of diamonds and sapphires, combined with metals such as gold or bronze.
Like the Greeks, they used them for protection.
During the Renaissance, with the rise and expansion of trade, jewelry began to be considered an art. Due to this expansion, the importation of precious stones from exotic places began.
At this time jewelry sets began to be made and popularized.
During the Romantic period, there were no significant changes. The main characteristic of jewelry in this era is that it had a significant influence from medieval and renaissance art, as well as the expansion due to the industrial revolution.
Art Deco jewelry, developed mainly between 1920 and 1950, is characterized by mass production of jewelry. Techniques were given more importance than materials, using aluminum and plastic in their creations.
Modern jewelery was born around 1960.
As main features, it is worth highlighting the appearance of artisan jewelry, the introduction of pearl cultivation, the use of crystals and other synthetic materials.
Currently, jewelry and costume jewelry continue to evolve, placing great emphasis on design and versatility in the use of materials.
There is still a long way to go and see where it takes us.
