Jewelry

Jewelry is defined as ornamental adornments worn for many reasons including personal beautification, pleasure, social, official ranking, religious and other beliefs, and as a display of wealth.

Engagement rings, wedding rings, birthstones, necklaces, penants, bracelets, earrings, body pierce rings, crowns, pins, brooches, charms, and anklets are all examples of jewelry.

The use of jewelry can be traced back to our earliest ancestors and was found in most early cultures to have been worn on a daily basis by both men and women.

Ancient Africans, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Babylonians, Assyrians, Chinese, the Incas, and Indians developed the practice of making fine jewelry, and through the centuries, this form of craftsmanship has grown into an international phenomenon.

Jewelry can be and has been made from many materials, both organic and inorganic, such as glass, ivory, shells, coral, wood, bones, metals, plastic, stones, rock, petroleum based products, and bird feathers.

High value jewelry is usually made from precious metals and gemstones, while less valuable objects, known as costume jewelry, can be mass-produced from other, more easily accessible and cheaper materials.

Throughout history, the manufacture of jewelry has played an important role in the development of cultures, political and religious structures, and local and worldwide trade.

In most countries, precious and simi precious metals, such as gold, platinum, and silver, and diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other gemstones are used as monetary standards making the value of such objects rise and fall with market conditions.

Today, most people in the world own and wear jewelry, whether it is made of gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, or some other cheaper ornate materials.

Old, rare, antique jewelry is one of the most sought after commodities today and is prized by both professional collectors, dealers, and entrepreneurs, as well as those who want it for personal reasons.

The glitter and the sparkle, the colors, and the feel is what makes jewelry so alluring and pleasing to the senses.

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