For over 50,000 years, jewelry materials and styles have evolved with the changes of civilization, matching the eras of Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages up to the Industrial Revolution. However, somewhere within these eras, jewelry always returns to its simplest, natural form.

Jewelry is available in many forms. However, regardless of shape, size and texture, jewelry symbolizes different things such as religion, love, prestige, class, wealth, rank or authority.

Where Jewelry All Began

Each kind of jewelry originates from different cultures and places. For instance, rings were given as prize by clergies. Rings also symbolized authority and used by officials as signet rings. Others also considered rings as sources of magical powers and worked as protectors against evil spirits and physical enemies. Other jewelries were used for rank and identification. Rings were used as keys to enter various political, educational and religious organizations.

In some cultures, jewelry was used for trading. In fact, a Dutch immigrant bought an island (which is now known as Manhattan) from Native Americans in exchange for European jewelry beads. Imagine buying a piece of land in Manhattan for only two sets of pearl necklaces, which Jacques Cartier did around 1920s. Today, that piece of land is where the first Cartier jewelry store is located.

In battles, some cultures used different kinds of jewelries to protect their warriors from enemies. Kings, knights and other authority figures also used jewelry to symbolize their rank and power.

Different jewelries, such as stones, beads, metals or pearls, carried a variety of significance, meanings and intentions, which showed the cultural and historical value of each piece. Other pieces of jewelry were used as symbols of love, containing the other half’s hair or portrait.

Jewelry in the 21st Century

Just as culture and religion evolved through history, jewelry changed its meaning, symbolisms and intentions through time. Many people began to attach jewelry to different parts of the body.

For instance, India remains one of the largest sources of extravagant jewelry as women adorned themselves with jewelry from their hairs to their toes. As jewelry evolved, it was used as accessories for clothing, shoes, bags and even furniture. Today, all kinds of jewelry styles – from ancient to modern – are available for both collectors and consumers, allowing both men and women to enjoy the various forms of precious stones, pearls, metals and other kinds of elements available to man.