Many people find it hard to believe that the inception of jewelry occurred 100,000 years ago as evidenced by mollusk jewelry found in South Africa. Mollusks are small snails and clams, and their shells were used to fashion this jewelry, although it was no doubt for more functional purposes (such as holding a garment together) than it was for adorning people. In the earliest days, natural material was used, such as animal teeth, shells, bone, wood and stone.
The first period during which jewelry was used extensively to adorn people was the Georgian era beginning in the 1760's. Larger size jewelry from the past was replaced by delicate smaller forms. It is very difficult to locate jewelry from this period, but jewelry from the Victorian period beginning in the mid 1800's under the reign of Queen Victoria is a different story. The Victorian era ended in 1901 upon the death of the Queen.
The young Queen, who was crowned at eighteen, not only loved jewelry, but also designed it. In favor were cameos carved of conch shells by Italians. Women were known to travel to Italy to purchase necklaces, earrings, and brooches of cameo designs, and lava jewelry made from colored lava of Mt. Vesuvius. Soon the industrial revolution saw the manufacture of jewelry, and resulted in the end of the hand carving.
The Queen also got credit for the charm bracelet, and had a number of charms designed. She often gave jewelry as gifts to family and friends. Jewelry had been a status symbol of the wealthy, or to accompany fashionable outfits, but the emergence of the middle class created a demand for a larger quantities being produced. Queen Victoria continued to set the trend for other women, and her romantic nature as well as nature itself were reflected in jewelry designed with birds, hearts, butterflies, dragonflies, gemstone embellished flowers, ribbons, and bows. Jewelry containing the hair of both the living and dead was especially popular. Some of these pieces were very intricate in their design. Lockets were also used to hold the hair or pictures of the deceased.
Victoria also preferred serpent designs, a symbol of eternal love, and her engagement ring from Prince Albert in 1840 was a serpent designed with an emerald in its head. Terms of endearment such as "dearest" or "regard" often appeared on engagement rings. A brooch of sapphires and diamonds, a gift from her husband-to-be, adorned her wedding dress. The Queen also favored opals, but other affordable semi-precious stones appealed to the mass market such as amethyst, coral, pearls, turquoise and garnet. Ivory, seed pearls, bog oak, smoky quartz, jasper, agate, enamel, ,petrified wood, marble, as well as gold and silver found in Scottish jewelry were also popular with the public, as tartan plaids became fashionable after the Queen's children started wearing them.
New finds of gold resulted in creating different methods of gold processing, and gold jewelry became more affordable. Diamonds, because of South Africa diamond mines opening, were also becoming within the reach of the middle class. In 1861, Victoria's husband Prince Albert died, and so-called mourning jewelry made of black stones such as onyx, jet and black enamel were in vogue. They were commonly worn by relatives of the deceased. Jet was carved into necklaces, earrings, and pins. The suffragette movement was beginning and the black jewelry continued to be fashionable. Sets of jewelry were introduced during this period.
Today Victorian jewelry can be found in antique shops and at estate sales. Some reproductions of the jewelry are also sold as Victorian jewelry still has an allure for the public.
About the Author
Barbara A Adams owns and operates http://www.gemstonejamboree.com Gemstones
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
How To Buy Jewelry For Dummies
With this simple guide, you can find the perfect gift for that someone without waiting till the last minute.
* Do you know their birth month? If so, you can't go wrong with birthstone jewelry. Not only she will be delighted with this beautiful gift but, you can also surprise her with the knowledge of its value.
January - Garnet (deep red) Garnet is a highly protective stone. It's also useful in enhancing bodily strength and endurance. It is given as a gem on the 2nd & 6th wedding anniversaries.
February - Amethyst (pale lilac to dark purple) Amethyst helps to calm fears, reduces stress, and dispels doubts and negativity. The gemstone symbolizes peace and tranquility. Some sources suggest it is used to stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst is suggested as a gem to give on the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
March - Aquamarine (all shades of light blue) Aquamarines enhance the utilization of psychic powers and make the mind more alert. Excellent for cleansing and purifying. It is said to make one youthful. Aquamarine is suggested as a gem to give on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
April - Diamond (mostly colorless, but colored variations do exist) Perfection, innocence, courage and everlasting love - there is no better symbol for these qualities than a sparkling diamond.
May - Emerald (dark green) Emeralds give the wearer psychic powers. They are thought to improve both eyesight and fertility. They are also worn to enhance love and contentment. It is suggested as an anniversary gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.
June - pearl (mostly white, but colored variations exist) Pearls have symbolized modesty, chastity, power, and courage. It is believed to possess life-restoring powers.
July - Ruby (bright red) Rubies are believed to make the wearer wise, to help with love, and help protect against all sorts of misfortunes.
August - Peridot (lime green) Peridots Guard against illusions, enchantments, and nightmares. Peridot also calms nervousness and banishes negative emotions. Peridot may be given as a gem on the 16th wedding anniversary.
September - Sapphire (all colors, but most popular is cornflower blue) Sapphires help to predict the future. The gem is associated with peace and happiness. It has a power of spiritual enlightenment. Sapphire is given as a gem for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversaries.
October - Opal (all colors, but most treasured is a black opal) Opal is a stone of hope, love & romance. The gem is a symbol of innocence and purity. Aids inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight and helps recall past lives. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Libra.
November - Citrine (yellow to gold to orange brown shades) Citrines are emblems of truth, happiness, wisdom and friendship. These provide protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. It promotes creativity, helps personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies. It is the accepted gem for the 13th and 17th wedding anniversary.
December - Blue Topaz (pale blue) Blue topaz symbolizes strength, intelligence, fidelity, success and good future. It is the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage.
* If not, you can always follow the motto "sweet and simple."
Plain Gold Jewelry - No more worries about picking the right gemstones! All you have to know is her preference of gold color. They come in many fashionable designs and can be accessorized with any outfit. They make a perfect gift for any occasion.
Pearls Around the Neck - Behind diamonds, pearls are a woman's best friend. Any jewelry collection is incomplete without a pearl necklace. Pricy, yet elegant, a pearl necklace makes a great gift for those memorable moments in life. But have no fear, if you're concerned about staying within a budget or looking for a simple everyday gift, pearl pendants are an excellent choice.
Drops - The hottest trend in jewelry right now! From drop earrings to a simple drop pendant, it's a perfect combination of class and style. With an array of gemstones to choose from, you're sure to find the color that best suits that special someone.
* If all else fails, you can never go wrong with diamonds.
We'll spare you all the clichés, but a gift of diamond jewelry will forever remind her of your true feelings (or simply get you out of her doghouse). A girl will fancy any piece of diamond jewelry, but here are a few that will complete any jewelry collection: A pair of diamond stud earrings don't have to be given as tokens of romantic affection. It's perfectly appropriate to buy them for your mother on Mother's Day. You know how to bedazzle your woman at anytime? Present her a diamond solitaire pendant that your grandma liked too... they will always be in fashion. You want to convey your feelings in a more meaningful way? The sparkle of a diamond solitaire ring would speak of your love for her.
With different sizes, clarities & cuts, you're sure to find the gift that best fits her as well as your budget. You'll even have enough left to pamper her with a box of chocolates and some flowers.
About the Author
Sudha Agarwal is a product consultant for FineJewelryVault.com. For these gift ideas and more, visit FineJewelryVault.com for the finest collection of Fine Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Gold Jewelry, Pearls & Birthstones at great prices.
* Do you know their birth month? If so, you can't go wrong with birthstone jewelry. Not only she will be delighted with this beautiful gift but, you can also surprise her with the knowledge of its value.
January - Garnet (deep red) Garnet is a highly protective stone. It's also useful in enhancing bodily strength and endurance. It is given as a gem on the 2nd & 6th wedding anniversaries.
February - Amethyst (pale lilac to dark purple) Amethyst helps to calm fears, reduces stress, and dispels doubts and negativity. The gemstone symbolizes peace and tranquility. Some sources suggest it is used to stabilize mental disorders. Amethyst is suggested as a gem to give on the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
March - Aquamarine (all shades of light blue) Aquamarines enhance the utilization of psychic powers and make the mind more alert. Excellent for cleansing and purifying. It is said to make one youthful. Aquamarine is suggested as a gem to give on the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
April - Diamond (mostly colorless, but colored variations do exist) Perfection, innocence, courage and everlasting love - there is no better symbol for these qualities than a sparkling diamond.
May - Emerald (dark green) Emeralds give the wearer psychic powers. They are thought to improve both eyesight and fertility. They are also worn to enhance love and contentment. It is suggested as an anniversary gift for the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.
June - pearl (mostly white, but colored variations exist) Pearls have symbolized modesty, chastity, power, and courage. It is believed to possess life-restoring powers.
July - Ruby (bright red) Rubies are believed to make the wearer wise, to help with love, and help protect against all sorts of misfortunes.
August - Peridot (lime green) Peridots Guard against illusions, enchantments, and nightmares. Peridot also calms nervousness and banishes negative emotions. Peridot may be given as a gem on the 16th wedding anniversary.
September - Sapphire (all colors, but most popular is cornflower blue) Sapphires help to predict the future. The gem is associated with peace and happiness. It has a power of spiritual enlightenment. Sapphire is given as a gem for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversaries.
October - Opal (all colors, but most treasured is a black opal) Opal is a stone of hope, love & romance. The gem is a symbol of innocence and purity. Aids inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight and helps recall past lives. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Libra.
November - Citrine (yellow to gold to orange brown shades) Citrines are emblems of truth, happiness, wisdom and friendship. These provide protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. It promotes creativity, helps personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies. It is the accepted gem for the 13th and 17th wedding anniversary.
December - Blue Topaz (pale blue) Blue topaz symbolizes strength, intelligence, fidelity, success and good future. It is the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th or 23rd year of marriage.
* If not, you can always follow the motto "sweet and simple."
Plain Gold Jewelry - No more worries about picking the right gemstones! All you have to know is her preference of gold color. They come in many fashionable designs and can be accessorized with any outfit. They make a perfect gift for any occasion.
Pearls Around the Neck - Behind diamonds, pearls are a woman's best friend. Any jewelry collection is incomplete without a pearl necklace. Pricy, yet elegant, a pearl necklace makes a great gift for those memorable moments in life. But have no fear, if you're concerned about staying within a budget or looking for a simple everyday gift, pearl pendants are an excellent choice.
Drops - The hottest trend in jewelry right now! From drop earrings to a simple drop pendant, it's a perfect combination of class and style. With an array of gemstones to choose from, you're sure to find the color that best suits that special someone.
* If all else fails, you can never go wrong with diamonds.
We'll spare you all the clichés, but a gift of diamond jewelry will forever remind her of your true feelings (or simply get you out of her doghouse). A girl will fancy any piece of diamond jewelry, but here are a few that will complete any jewelry collection: A pair of diamond stud earrings don't have to be given as tokens of romantic affection. It's perfectly appropriate to buy them for your mother on Mother's Day. You know how to bedazzle your woman at anytime? Present her a diamond solitaire pendant that your grandma liked too... they will always be in fashion. You want to convey your feelings in a more meaningful way? The sparkle of a diamond solitaire ring would speak of your love for her.
With different sizes, clarities & cuts, you're sure to find the gift that best fits her as well as your budget. You'll even have enough left to pamper her with a box of chocolates and some flowers.
About the Author
Sudha Agarwal is a product consultant for FineJewelryVault.com. For these gift ideas and more, visit FineJewelryVault.com for the finest collection of Fine Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Gold Jewelry, Pearls & Birthstones at great prices.
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