Jewelry Through the Ages: Fashion, Fads, and Facts
Who invented jewelry and how long ago did they do it? In this article, we're going back to the very beginning, uncovering the dazzling past behind your favorite accessories.
...And take notes - these top ten facts could be your secret weapon at the next party quiz! 💎
Ancient Beginnings:
1. The Oldest Jewelry Dates Back 100,000 Years – The earliest known jewelry, made from seashells, was discovered in Morocco and is estimated to be around 100,000 years old. Now that's pretty old.
2. Ancient Amulets for Protection – In Ancient Egypt, jewelry wasn’t just for fashion; it also had spiritual significance. People wore amulets shaped like scarabs or the Eye of Horus for both protection and good luck. Do you wear any charm bracelets for good luck?
3. Romans Wore Rings to Show Social Status – In Ancient Rome, different types of rings signified one’s social rank. Only high-ranking officials were allowed to wear gold rings, while lower classes had to settle for iron. How times have changed!
Middle Age Trends:
4. The First Engagement Rings Were Given in 1477 – The tradition of diamond engagement rings dates back to 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, starting a trend among European nobility. Everybody say thank you for this great idea. 😉
5. Medieval Signet Rings Were Used as Seals – In the Middle Ages, signet rings were engraved with a family crest and used to stamp official documents. These rings were so important that breaking one could be considered a serious offence. Oops!
6. The Hope Diamond Is Said to Be Cursed – One of the most famous diamonds in the world, the Hope Diamond, has a history of misfortune. Legends claim it brings bad luck to its owners, though that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a prized museum piece. Would you take your chances with it?
Victorian Melancholy:
7. The Victorian Hair Jewelry Trend – In the 19th century, it was common to wear jewelry made from a loved one’s hair, especially as mourning pieces. Queen Victoria popularized this after the death of Prince Albert. Though, we think this one might be a little less popular today.
8. The Victorian Era Popularized Sentimental Jewelry – In the same era, jewelry was often used to express love, mourning, or loyalty. Lockets containing a loved one’s portrait or hair were especially popular. Do you own a locket of a loved one?
Fast Forward:
9. Mood Rings of the 1970s – One of the biggest jewelry fads of the ’70s was the mood ring, which supposedly changed colors based on the wearer’s emotions due to thermochromic liquid crystals inside the stone. Admit it, you kind of want one now (us too).
10. Lab-Grown Diamonds – In the past 10 years, lab-grown diamonds have surged in popularity due to their ethical and environmental benefits. They are now a major competitor to mined diamonds and have even been embraced by luxury brands. Talk about sparkle!
Conclusion
From the very beginnings to where we are today, we wouldn't have any of the beautiful designs or materials to make our favorite jewelry without giving credit to our ancestors before us.
So, we hope this article taught you some new facts about your favorite accessories. Which one was your favorite - let us know in the comments!