The precious metals should be nicely finished, and beads should not be too tightly strung. Well-made necklaces reflect excellent craftsmanship and attractive materials. Most modern commercial jewellery continues traditional forms and styles, but designers such as Georg Jensen have widened the concept of wearable art. The advent of new materials, such as plastics, Precious Metal Clay , and colouring techniques, has led to increased variety in styles. Blue kingfisher feathers were tied onto early Chinese jewellery and later, blue gems and glass were incorporated into designs.

  • The earliest known Jewellery was actually created not by humans but by Neanderthal living in Europe.
  • Metals, bone, shells, bird feathers , and carved stones protected and decorated the wearer.
  • No chips in the gemstones, no cuts in the bezel, and no obvious glue marks of any kind.
  • Around 1500 BC, the main techniques of working gold in Greece included casting, twisting bars, and making wire.
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The best thing about Jewelry News is that its a customizable form of expression that provides a sense of luxury and individuality. Sustainable necklaces are designed with reusable materials, and each culture makes use of the objects and materials most readily at hand. For example, many Andean, Central American and Thai artists use repurposed wood. West African artisans use recycled paper, and beads of recycled glass or plastic. And Brazilian artists collect discarded zippers and soda pop-tops to crochet into stunning, eco-friendly designs. Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols.

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Most Pacific jewellery is worn above the waist, with headdresses, necklaces, hair pins, and arm and waist belts being the most common pieces. The Eastern successor of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, continued many of the methods of the Romans, though religious themes came to predominate. Unlike the Romans, the Franks, and the Celts, however, Byzantium used light-weight gold leaf rather than solid gold, and more emphasis was placed on stones and gems.

ASOS DESIGN hoop earrings with pearl row in gold tone

In southern Russia, carved bracelets made of mammoth tusk have been found. The Venus of Hohle Fels features a perforation at the top, showing that it was intended to be worn as a pendant. In creating jewellery, gemstones, coins, or other precious items are often used, and they are typically set into precious metals. The silver used in jewellery is usually sterling silver, or 92.5% fine silver. In costume jewellery, stainless steel findings are sometimes used. Gemstones and similar materials such as amber and coral, precious metals, beads, and shells have been widely used, and enamel has often been important.

Examples of jewelry

Artisans from across the globe offer their own distinctive style of craftsmanship. In India, the vibrant colored gemstones have become a signature fashion statement. Balinese jewelry is characterized by ornate sterling tendrils set with tiny silver spheres. In Brazil, womens necklaces are often sleek and contemporary, with gemstones chosen for their particular energies. Many jewelry designs from Bali and Central America feature hand-knotted macram, such as that used in Guatemalas popular friendship bracelets.