The origins of jewelry can be traced back to ancient civilizations from across the globe. Initially, jewelry was crafted from natural materials such as shells, pebbles, and fishbones, and it served as adornment during various rituals and ceremonies. As time passed, the materials and styles used in jewelry-making have changed and developed.

While certain fashion styles come and go with the emergence of new trends, pearls have managed to maintain their timeless beauty.

Take a glimpse at the evolution of jewelry from the era of Egyptian pharaohs using gold to display their status, to Jennifer Lopez's extravagant 15-carat yellow diamond ring.

What Jewelry Symbolizes

Jewelry has been discovered dating back to the 8th century AD. During the Middle Ages, individuals wore jewelry to display their social standing and affluence. Presently, jewelry serves as a means of personal expression, offering numerous options to embellish oneself and reveal one's unique personality.

Over the course of time, jewelry gradually became more diverse in shades and hues. In the Renaissance period, vividly colored gemstones were incorporated into religious iconography, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also to symbolize mystical attributes. Towards the end of the Renaissance, jewelry began to be worn not only by royalty but also by individuals from various social statuses, as wealth started to reach a wider population.

Consequently, jewelry started to gain popularity as a trend that was accessible to a broader range of people.

For a considerable period, jewelry held significance in the lives of the royals; however, it also played a role in significant events throughout history.

Throughout significant historical movements such as the women's suffrage era, jewelry served as a means of bringing people together, symbolizing empowerment.

Kim Kanary, the individual holding the position of Vice President of social media and community engagement at JTV, provides an explanation:

A lot of individuals may not be aware that jewelry had a significant role in the suffrage movement. Women utilized jewelry as a means to strengthen and join together, and ultimately, it became a symbol of one's dedication to the movement.

Casual Jewelry

Jewelry started becoming more widely used in casual settings and events, like having lunch with friends or attending family gatherings, during the Retro era from the 1930s to 1950s. Instead of being solely for display, jewelry became a regular part of people's everyday outfits. Following World War II, brooches gained significant popularity, with women often wearing animal-shaped, three-dimensional ones at cocktail parties.

The One Constant

Throughout history, jewelry has evolved beyond its association with royalty, with royals traditionally adorned in extravagant pieces. Necklaces have become layered, brooches now take the form of animals, and big bangle bracelets have made an appearance. Timeless pearl necklaces and chandelier earrings have also played a significant role. Nevertheless, the enduring characteristic of jewelry over the centuries has been its ability to reflect personality and individuality. People have always worn jewelry as a means of standing out from the crowd. Although the appearance and intended use of metals and gems have changed over time, their purpose has remained consistent - to make a statement and be noticed.

Jewelry allows you to express yourself and communicate your thoughts, no matter the occasion. Whether you're socializing with friends or participating in a formal gathering, wearing a piece of jewelry holds the same significance as when our early ancestors connected seashells using a string.

The Evolution of Jewelry Workshop

If you want to understand the journey of jewelry and its impact on our modern society, you can participate in the Evolution of Jewelry Workshop, which consists of eight courses. This workshop will provide a comprehensive exploration of how jewelry has influenced politics, fashion, and history throughout the years.

In the progression of Jewelry, we will explore the significant individuals from history and the significance they attached to jewelry.