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The art of jewelry-making was refined during Victorian period in Europe, and exquisite pieces such as lockets and cameos made their first appearance. Jewelry was being worn by nearly everyone by middle of nineteenth century. But, instead of being individually crafted, quality pieces could be stamped out and molded. Rather than unique pieces, jewelry could be created to a standard that was able to be duplicated. The new affordability brought quality jewelry to middle-class consumer for first time. Platinum came onto jewelry scene at end of 20th century. During early 20th century, industrialization, increasing job opportunities and rising family incomes brought jewelry within reach of middle class. Large scale firms, created by jewelers such as Carl Faberge and Louis Tiffany achieved great success and amassed great wealth by making fine pieces for newly wealthy.
The Roaring Twenties has been portrayed as a decadent era: time of prohibition, gangsters, speakeasies and Charleston. Women won right to vote in 1920, and they asserted their new equality with radical fashion changes. Long dangling earrings, long strands of pearls or beads, diamond watches cocktail rings, and multiple bracelets on both upper and lower arms became rage. Platinum and precious stones, particularly diamonds, were wildly popular during this Art Deco period.
The Thirties were a decade of economic depression, both in U.S. and Europe, and Forties brought World War II. It was in 1940's that flamboyant curves and bows in large pieces of jewelry became known as Retro Modern. Yellow gold regained prominence during these years, since wartime restrictions made platinum unavailable to industry. Semi-precious stones and man-made rubies and sapphires became more popular due to high wartime luxury taxes. Cocktail rings, bracelets, watches and necklaces were massive. Many of today's consumers would consider this style to be quite gaudy and flashy.
Platinum made an enormous comeback in early 1990's and such pieces as tennis bracelet and diamond solitaire pendant made their first appearance at this time. Men began to wear bracelets, necklaces and even earrings in larger numbers as Twentieth century drew to a close.
Today, jewelry is increasingly worn by both men and women. From bracelets and toe rings, to necklaces and tongue studs, jewelry continues to be a popular adornment for human race and most body parts have been pierced to allow for wearing of such.
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business dedicated to providing valuable and accurate information and resources on a variety of topics. For a treasure chest full of additional information about jewelry please visit http://www.JewelryJaunt.com