Ever wondered about the history behind jewellery? Well, pay attention as we are about to give you a crash course about the evolution of jewellery over the centuries. Let’s start without any further ado!
In broad terms, jewellery has been around for even longer than we have. But of course, the jewellery they wore in the olden days was not made like we make it today. Ancient people wore jewellery made up of animal teeth, carved stones, wood, bones, shells, pebbles, and feathers. Today, as humans learn new techniques and also because of technological advancement and innovations, modern jewellery makers have been able to create exquisite designs and engravings on jewellery objects making the jewellery industry continually grow.
Early Modern Era (1100-1400)
Jewellery has always been used as a symbol of wealth and status. Royalty and the nobility wore gold, silver and precious gems while lower ranks of society wore base metals such as copper. On the other hand, jewellery was worn as amulets to protect against bad luck and illness, and for its magical properties.
Until the late century, gems were usually polished rather than cut. Jewellery polishing was mainly used and jewellery enamelling was used to add colour to the designs. They used a range of techniques such as plating, enamelling, gliding, etc. to create effects that are still widely used today.
Pendant reliquary cross, unknown maker, about 1450-1475, Germany.Museum no. 4561-1858. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Renaissance Era (1400 - 1700)
In the 14th century, jewellery became the age’s passion for splendour. It was in this period that a lot of new knowledge and techniques improved to create pieces of intricate, elaborate jewellery, including brooches, rings and jewelled belts.
One of the most eminent pieces of jewellery in the Renaissance period was pendants. Long gold chains and pendants, carved to perfection, were often worn by men to symbolise their status while women would wear rings on all five fingers. Jewellers used delicate methods to achieve delicate metalwork.
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Gold Earring - One of the pair was found near the Church of Holy Salvation near the spring of the Cetina River in Croatia 1300 – 1350
Pendant in the shape of a lion designed around the voluptuous but irregular shape of broque pearl. Walters Art Museum
Victorian Jewellery (1800-1900)
Fast forward from the 17th century to the 1800’s and discover the exquisite works of Victorian jewellery. During the Victorian era, jewels were mostly worn by women and were considered a feminine object. Amethyst, black glass, diamond, emerald, garnet, jet, opal, onyx, pearl, ruby and tortoise shell were among the most popular gems used in Victorian jewellery.
“Hair jewellery” or “mourning brooches” also became the staple of the period. Mourning brooches were made from the human hair of a loved one – by weaving locks into detailed “hair art”, mounted on an agate backing and then covered with domed glass.
MournA mourninging brooch containing the hair of a deceased relative
Trends We See Today (Present)
Jewellery design and innovation have constantly been redefined. Jewellery in modern times can be best defined as a fusion of past and present – jewellers take inspiration from different historical eras and give them a modern touch to develop wearable art – jewellery that never goes out of style.
At Albert and Merlin, our pieces of jewellery are timeless, classic & elegant. While certain trends come and go, our exquisite collection will never go out of style.
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