Jewellery

An eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt princess's crown

Bohemia, 14th century jewelled clasp with eagle motif.

Spanish emerald and gold pendant at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Roman Amethyst intaglio engraved gem, ~212 AD; later regarded as of St. Peter.

Royal earrings, India, 1st Century BC.

Jewellery (or jewelry) refers to any clothing accessory that is worn as a decoration. Jewellery differs from other items of personal adornment in that it has no other purpose than to look attractive. Items such as belts and handbags are considered to be accessories rather than jewellery. Yet some jewellery does have some practical effect: a broach, for example was often worn to keep a cloak closed.

History

Humans have made jewelry for a long time. There are many forms of jewelry worn for traditional, social or religious reasons. Jewelry can come in many forms, worn on any part of the body or clothing. Jewelry most often are rings, chains, bead strings, pendants and piercings, worn around or on different body parts.

Creation

Jewelry can be made from any material. The first jewelry was made from bone, animal teeth, wood or stone. Jewelry often uses gemstones and precious metals.

Fashion jewelry or Costume jewelry is jewelry that is worn just for fashion, and is not made of expensive materials.

Common jewelry types

• Earrings, which is any jewelry worn on the ears
• Necklaces, worn aroung the neck
• Finger rings and toe rings (finger rings are usually just called "ring")
• Bracelets or bangles, worn on the wrists
• Arm rings or armlets, worn on the upper arms
• Pins or Brooches, worn on clothes for decoration or keeping clothes from undoing.
• Piercings, which is jewelry that is put through holes in the skin

Gallery

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  A Kenyan man wearing tribal bead necklaces.

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  A signet-ring.

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  Pendants made of amber.

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Jewellery