Jewelry has been around nearly as long as human beings. The ability to trace
history of jewelry is due primarily to custom, beginning with earliest peoples, of burying dead with their most valuable possessions. As far back as Old Stone Age, people made and wore jewelry. Using their primitive tools, they fashioned necklaces of bones, animal teeth, pebbles, feathers, shells and leather. Although some were probably worn as adornments, others may have been worn to ward off dangers, evil spirits or sickness. Jewelry made of gold and silver is believed to have made its first appearance with ancient Egyptians. Gold was used because of its warm, glowing color and its ease to work, being relatively soft and pliable.
The Egyptians were among first to use precious stones in their jewelry using turquoise and lapis lazuli. Many tomb paintings show Egyptians wearing bracelets, brooches, headdresses, pendants and rings made of gold, silver and precious gemstones. Ancient Greek jewelry is noted for its elegance and grace. Many designs were used, but their specialty were adornments made from gold filigree of wire openwork in naturalistic shapes of flowers, leaves and animals. Likewise, Romans loved jewelry. As a means to show social status and wealth, rings made of gold, jet, and other materials were worn by both sexes. Sometimes many rings were worn on same finger just as many people do today.
During Middle Ages, styles and income levels rather discouraged wearing of most jewelry. Brooches, however, became an important part of wardrobe since they were practical in holding up tunics and cloaks. During this period rings were commonly worn by every social class. Rings were made of iron, copper, silver or gold with metal often denoting wearer's social standing.
During Renaissance period more skin was shown with new fashions and consequently more jewelry was worn. It was during this period that jewelry making truly became an art. Many Italian sculptors trained as goldsmiths and created stunning ornaments. Necklaces began to appear in large numbers and were worn by both sexes. Men's necklaces tended to be more like chains, while women's were more complicated with twists and beads added. It was Elizabethan era where pearls became rage. Earrings made their first appearance in Europe, where most common were single pearl drops worn with a simple matching pearl choker.
The Georgian period of jewelry production began during years when Great Britain was ruled by four Georges, thus name. The Georgian period encompassed most of eighteenth century and into first part of nineteenth, through American and French revolutions, and development of a distinctive British identity after Napoleonic Wars. Jewelry of period was entirely handmade and consequently quite individualistic. Both men and women wore heavy, richly-jeweled chains, rings, shoe buckles, and hair ornaments, buttons and brooches. Gemstones were sewn onto clothing in an ostentatious display of wealth. Jewelry settings were designed to display color and sparkle of gemstones, particularly diamonds. The primary theme of period was inspired by nature, including flowers, leafs, insects, birds and feathers.
