Jewelry is any decorative ornament made from metal, glass, or other materials. It can also be functional, marking group membership, as with a gold chain of office or a wedding ring.
Jewelry makers are incredibly skilled craftspeople. They can solder miniature pieces of gold together with incredible accuracy.
Jewellery is ornaments that people wear such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. It is often made from a precious metal and decorated with gemstones. It can be purely decorative or may signify something important, like a wedding ring or a gift from a loved one. Its purpose and style have varied over time and between cultures.
The earliest jewellery items were often functional. Pins and brooches originated as clasps that held clothing together and rings acted as early seals. Pearls, emeralds and other gemstones were used to demonstrate status and wealth. The process it takes for a natural pearl to form is extremely time-consuming, and so they were highly prized. The art of engraving was also developed and many of the oldest Mesolithic jewellery pieces have been carved from bone or mother-of-pearl.
By the 17th century the rebirth of classical culture and exploration brought new inspiration to jewellery making. Gemstones became more available, and new techniques were used to sculpt and carve stones. The Art Deco period was a huge influence on jewellery during the 1920s. Geometry was very popular at this time and adornments were frequently shaped into triangles, squares and polygons.
Materials
Jewelry, also called jwellery or joaillerie, is made from gemstones and precious metals. It is designed to adorn nearly every part of the body. It can be functional, as in pinning clothing or hair in place, artistic/decorative, or symbolic of group membership, such as the Christian cross or Jewish Star of David, or of status, as in chains of office and the Western practice of married people wearing wedding rings.
Early jewelry was often made from natural materials, such as bones, animal teeth, shells, and carved wood. Throughout the world, jewelry has been prized for its rarity, beauty, and monetary value. In more recent times, jewelry has come to be valued for its artistic and decorative qualities as well as for the personal meaning it carries for the wearer.
Precious metals like gold and silver are still the most common elements used in jewelry. However, the use of nonprecious metals and synthetic gems has made jewelry more affordable to many more people. The development of improved pearl harvesting and the increased availability of diamond simulants has further brought more people within reach of this beautiful art form.
Other jewelry-making techniques and materials include fused glass and metal clay. Fused glass jewelry requires a kiln and some simple tools to create beads, pendants, and solid rings. Metal clay is a type of clay that becomes solid when fired in the kiln. It is easy to shape by hand or with tools and can be used to make a wide variety of jewelry components.
Stainless steel is another material that has become popular in men’s fashion rings and bracelets. It is also an excellent choice for men’s watches, because of its durability. Stainless steel is not as hard or bright as some other metals, but it is very scratch-resistant.
To ensure the quality of your jewelry, you should always use high-quality materials. Choose sterling silver supplies from a company that has a strong commitment to sustainability and transparency in their supply chain. Halstead is working to increase traceability in our silver products, so you can feel good about the materials you’re using to make your creations.
Styles
Jewelry can express a wide range of styles, from elegant classics to bold and trendy pieces. Whether you choose a strand of pearls for a special occasion or a hammered metal bracelet to complement a bohemian look, your jewelry can speak to your style and tell the story of your journey through life.
Knowing your jewelry style is the first step to finding the perfect gift for a loved one, friend or colleague. Taking note of the types of jewelry she wears most often, what gemstones she likes and any other special meanings could help you narrow down your choices.
The Victorian era was defined by sentimental and romantic jewelry with floral and symbolic motifs. It also saw a move away from heavy gold jewellery towards more simple and lightweight styles. In the mid and late Victorian period, Art Nouveau emerged as a rebellion against the restrictive design of earlier eras. Art Nouveau encompasses a broad spectrum of styles with different names including Jugendstil in Germany and Austria, Arts and Crafts in Britain, Catalan Modernisme, Austro-Hungarian Secession and Italian Liberty.
In the Modern era, jewelers were inspired by nature and the richness of other cultures to create bold designs. Organically shaped and richly textured yellow gold jewellery was popular along with colorful gemstones. As women entered the workforce, oversized earrings and necklaces were in fashion with matching power suits. The Modern era also marked the introduction of hoop earrings and the bangle bracelet, both of which have continued into today’s jewelry.
The Berber cultures of North Africa created intricate silver jewellery as a part of their ethnic identity. Their styles reflected religious and cultural beliefs and were passed down through generations. Some popular Berber jewellery styles include tiaras, bracelets and ear cuffs.
Artisan, or handmade, jewellery is made by skilled craftspeople on a small scale. The quality of these pieces is superb and they can be incredibly beautiful. Choosing handmade jewellery means you’re supporting a local or family business and you can be sure your piece is unique and high-quality. People with warm skin undertones usually look good in gold, copper and brass jewelry, while those with cool undertones will shine brightest in silver or platinum.
Mix & Match
Stylish, bold looks require a unique mix of jewelry. Mixing and matching pieces of gold and silver jewelry has become a fashionable trend. Gone are the days when you could only wear a single jewelry piece at a time. Choosing to mix up your style allows you to express your creativity and unique personality through your accessories. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind when mixing metals, but the possibilities are truly endless.
The first step in mixing and matching jewelry is to choose a centerpiece piece. This can be a necklace, bracelet, or watch. The key is to select something that will stand out and be the focal point of your look. This will allow the rest of your jewelry to blend in and complement the overall look without competing with it. For example, if you want to wear a gold watch, pair it with small bracelets and rings that are all in the same or similar tone to create an integrated and unified look.
Another tip when mixing and matching jewelry is to try contrasting colors. While wearing a uni-tone of silver or gold can create an elegant, timeless look, adding a little color can help make your style more vibrant and eye-catching. For instance, if you are wearing a solid gold necklace, consider pairing it with a white gold bracelet or ring to add a pop of color that will draw attention to your face.
Finally, when it comes to mixing and matching jewelry, remember that less is more. If you wear too much jewelry, it will look cluttered and overwhelming. Also, make sure the styles of your pieces match so that they create a cohesive and polished look.
Using these simple tips, you can begin to explore the wonderful world of mixing and matching your jewelry to create unique, bold looks that will elevate any outfit. Remember, it is all about expressing yourself through your fashion choices, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the mix of gold and silver pieces that work best for you!
