HISTORY of JEWELRY * ABOUT METALS * JEWELRY FASHION & ETIQUETTE THE HISTORY OF JEWELRY Jewelry dates back to ancient times. The first jewelry was made of bones and animal teeth and dates back to the Stone Age. Jewelry of gold, copper and silver dates back to the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Eqyptians and Romans. Gemstones such as turquoise, amethyst, malachite and lapis lazuli would later adorn the metal jewelry. Many ancient wall paintings depict the Egyptians wearing two bracelets on each arm, one at the wrist and another above the elbow. Many of these paintings also show that ankle bracelets were worn by the rulers and the wealthy. (Keep this in mind when reading further about the medicinal attributes of Copper) In the renaissance period, garments were adorned with gemstones. During the Georgian era and also the Victorian era, cameos and lockets became popular and platinum made its appearance around 1900, although it was known to be used about 3000 years ago but was very rare. In the twenties, from Paris, came Art Deco. This unusual jewelry was made using abstract geometric designs similar to those of the ancient Aztecs and Egyptians, and was combined with modern art. Presently we are in the era of Designer Jewelry. This new century will prove most interesting as jewelry is still evolving with different techniques being used and combined, resulting in some of the world's most beautiful jewelry ever. ABOUT SILVER The use of silver in ancient civilizations goes back over 5,000 years. The Egyptians and the Sumerians were the first recorded to have used silver, followed by the Romans. Silver is the most reflective and lustrous metal of all. It has been prized for its beauty and durability for over 5000 years. All silver, fine and sterling, will tarnish with time and requires polishing or cleaning to keep its luster. Sterling silver is stronger than pure silver and is why it is used in jewelry. Pure silver, like pure gold is too soft for the use of jewelry and must be combined with an alloy for strength. ABOUT COPPER The Eber Papyrus (pa / pi / rus) which is one of the world's oldest texts, states that inflamation should be treated with copper. The Eber Papyrus is an extensive Egyptian medical information journal. Many Egyptian paintings depict their rulers and wealthy citizens wearing wrist, upper arm and ankle bracelets. Since ancient Egyptian medical texts revealed that copper was useful in treating inflamation of the joints, perhaps the reason that bracelets were worn two to each arm and sometimes at the ankles, was originally for medicinal reasons and then became the fashion. European pharmacies sell copper for inflamation of the joints. When wearing copper, the copper is absorbed through the skin, goes to the circulatory system and then to the area that it is needed. Many atheletes and health conscious men and women wear copper because it is safe, produces no side effects and do not want to over medicate. For thousands of years the Aztecs, Egyptians and Romans all used copper in jewelry, bandages, cosmetics and drinks to remedy different ailments. As for myself, I have no joint or inflamation problems at this time, and only wear copper for it's beauty; however, my 83 year old aunt tells me that she has used copper rings and bracelets for many, many years, and that she still benefits from her copper jewelry. JEWELRY FASHION & ETIQUETTE Mixing Silver, Copper & Gold Many designers, myself included, are mixing different metals within one jewelry piece. Some people do not like to mix jewelry. Others are more comfortable and confident wearing contrasting jewelry. I belong to the latter group. Whatever pleases me, at the time, is what I will wear. It is perfectly fine to wear gold rings with silver earrings or bracelets. Fashion Or Fad Generally, teens to twenties usually seek what everyone else has or is wearing. This is considered to be a FAD, since these IN items change frequently. From the thirties on, individuals want what No One Else has; their own unique jewelry item. This is fashion. The jewelry these people choose, they will continue to wear for many years, simply because they find it appealing and effective. Many purchase designer jewelry pieces to add to their collections. Choosing Jewelry Jewelry should accessorize your outfit whether dress or jeans. Try a before and after look in the mirror. First, look in the mirror with no jewelry on, just the outfit of your choice. Second, put on a small item or two of jewelry and take another look. Third, replace the small jewelry items with larger, more reflective jewelry. The larger, more reflective jewelry will always make a better display and is very attractive. Smaller jewelry items are helpful when it is essential to play down your look. Jewelry must be noticeable to be appreciated. __________________________________________________________________ |
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