Enamel Celtic
A Brief History of Jewelry
Mankind is fascinated by beauty, and enraptured by it they long to possess objects that are beautiful. This is an innate trait in human beings; one that so distinctly separates us from the rest of the animals. Even early barbarous men were desirous of decorating themselves and the very first forms of jewelry were shells, animal teeth and bones strung together. Mollusk jewelry, dating back to the Middle Stone Ages, has been discovered in caves of South Africa. The longing to own a thing of beauty and to adorn oneself with it is no means a recent development.
Jewelry has come a long way from shells and bones; it’s fascinating how the art of body adornment using decorative objects has evolved through time.
Purpose of Jewelry
Jewelry serves many purposes other than to serve as mere decorations. Over the ages, they have been used to symbolize wealth, used as currency, fashion accessory and also to serve as a form of artistic expression.
Precious metals and stones were used from very early ages as a sign of wealth and opulence. Royalty have always used jewelry as a means for securing and consolidating wealth and even to the present day, some of the most precious pieces of jewelry are antiques. Royal jewels rank among the most expensive and luxurious assets of all times.
Many forms of jewelry that we use today have their genesis as purely functional pieces. Pins, brooches and buckles were initially created to serve specific practical purposes, but they later evolved into more decorative versions and began to be considered as jewelry for adornment. Jewelry has also been an important part in religion and social groups, to signify membership in a group and the status within.
Egyptian Jewelry
It would be apt to call Egypt the originating point of modern jewelry as we see it today. Many artisans in Egypt engaged themselves in perfecting the artistic skills and techniques involved in creating beautiful pieces of jewelry. While artistry was valued, the primary purpose of Egyptian jewelry was to serve as talismans and amulets that ward off evil.
Gold was extensively used to make jewelry because it was readily available and because of its color and dazzle. Egyptians placed prime value on color and gemstones in jewelry. Gemstones were believed to possess mystical powers which would transfer to the person wearing them.
Perhaps one of the most popular and well known symbols of Egyptian jewelry is the sacred Egyptian scarab. Several pieces of jewelry were made in the form of scarabs.
Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered in early 1900s, contained many gold funerary artifacts that speak eloquently of the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian jewelry makers.
Greece and Rome
Beads shaped like flowers, shells and beetles were made extensively by the Greeks. They made multicolored jewelry using amethysts, garnets, pearls and other gemstones. Glass and enamel were also widely used. Filigree gold work was also recurring motif in ancient Greek jewelry.
Italians produced granulated and textured gold work as early as eighth century BC. They made necklaces, bracelets, earrings and perfume filled hollow pendants. The Romans also used 18 and 24 carat gold as currency.
Middle Age
Middle Age was the time when Christianity emerged as the prominent religion. Jewelry made during this time often carried motifs and symbols of Christian faith. The Christian monasteries were in fact responsible for producing most of the jewelry during this time. Monasteries then had to support themselves financially through trade, and jewelry making was one of the preferred crafts.
But Celtic cultures in Ireland, largely unaffected by Christianity, still continued to maintain their own unique style and manufacturing methods. Celtic designs are quite popular now though little is known about their culture due to unavailability of recorded history.
Renaissance
The Renaissance period was commonly known as the ‘Jewel Age,’ and the role that jewelry played slowly began to be restricted only for adorning the body and not to symbolize cultural and religious beliefs. Jewelry was collected to protect wealth due to its inherent value and ease of converting to liquid cash. Since the focus was on enhancing the physical appearance of the wearer, intricate jewelry using attractive gemstones were created during this period. Diamonds became hugely popular during this period.
From 17th Century
Wealth held by the general public began to increase during this period and social norms were also relaxed. This meant that the jewelry that were earlier restricted only to the upper class and forbidden for the lower strata of the society could be freely worn by all. Popularity of diamonds continued and many new methods of cutting diamonds were perfected. It was during this time that floral and animal designs became quite popular. Many jewelry pieces were created in floral patterns using brightly colored gemstones and the trend continues to the present day.
The industrial revolution precipitated faster fashion and trends in jewelry, most of the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, retro and Edwardian jewelry crafted during this period are popular even to this day.
Now and the Future
Jewelry is now predominantly used for personal adornment, to make a unique style statement and for artistic expression. The tools and materials for producing jewelry are also available and affordable. Jewelry is mass produced and gemstones and precious metals are readily obtainable and reasonably priced now. Even synthetic materials which make artificial stones rival the beauty and appearance of the naturally occurring ones. Social barriers in wearing jewelry no longer exists, the melting pot of cultures that the world is today has also given rise to a wide variety of designs and styles.
Styles and trends change with lightning speed as jewelry designers vie to create better designs with every season. Jewelry is now a form of personal expression and the variety in styles and designs will only continue to grow in future.
About the Author
Suvarna is passionate about Jewelry and has been an avid reader in this field so far. Her interest has been in Fashion Jewelry, Bridal Jewelry and the likes. Participating in events organized for Jewelry and Fashion is something she likes a lot apart from writing on this subject. Having a passion for diamond jewelry that has been imbibed from her mother gives her a great inclination for writing in this subject.
Sterling Silver Blue Enamel Celtic Runic Brooch DSF118
|
|
VICTORIAN ORNATE SILVER RED ENAMEL CELTIC CIRCLE PIN $385.00 |
|
|
ANTIQUE SCOTTISH SILVER ENAMEL CELTIC CROSS BROOCH PIN $370.00 |
|
|
1978 Irish Celtic Modern SIGNED Silver & Enamel BROOCH $169.99 |
|
|
Sterling Hall Marked TARA Ware Enamel Celtic Brooch $149.00 |
|
|
VERY PRETTY ART DECO FRENCH CELTIC ENAMEL BRACELET $104.78 |
|
|
Celtic Knot Enamel Cloisonne Brooch Irish Studio Craft $79.00 |
|
|
Silver plated & blue enamel celtic knot style cufflinks $75.00 |
|
|
Silver plated and green enamel celtic knot cufflinks $75.00 |
|
|
Italian Sterling & Enamel Ottaviani Celtic Cross & Dove $65.00 |
|
|
1 Celtic Irish Gold on Silver Green Enamel Cross Neckla $55.11 |
|
|
SHAMROCK ENAMEL GREEN CELTIC TRINITY CROSS IRELAND 925 $50.00 |
|
|
Book of Kells Vintage CELTIC Enamel Brooch Pin $49.99 |
|
|
1 Celtic Irish 14K Gold Over Silver Enamel Cross Neckla $48.16 |
|
|
Black Enamel Sterling Silver Celtic Knot Twist Earrings $44.98 |
|
|
Sterling Enamel Large Celtic Cross Irish Medal Necklace $44.89 |
|
|
Silver Celtic Knotwork Black Enamel Cufflinks $40.30 |
|
|
Terra Sancta Guild ‘Blessing’ Enamel Celtic Cross $40.00 |
|
|
Silver Plated Enamel Celtic Cross Irish Necklace Religi $38.14 |
|
|
Celtic Knot Vintage Necklace Gold Red Navy Blue Enamel $29.99 |
|
|
Sterling Silver Enamel Small Celtic Cross Religious $29.14 |
|
|
IRISH CELTIC BRONZE AND ENAMEL BROOCH OPAL NEW JEWELRY $27.50 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Horse Compact Powder Mirror $26.78 |
|
|
Enamel Theatre Masks Celtic Compact Powder Mirror Irish $26.78 |
|
|
18K ON STERLING SILVER GREEN ENAMEL CELTIC CROSS 18″CH $26.99 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Compact Powder Mirror From Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Compact Powder Mirror Ireland . $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Compact Powder Mirror Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Cross Heart Jewelry Box Hand Made $25.73 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Enamel Heart Jewelry Box Made In Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Irish Enamel Celtic Cross Compact Mirror from Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Heart Jewelry Box Made In Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Enamel Compact Powder Mirror From Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
St Patricks enamel Celtic Shamrock Jewelry Box Irish $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Pendant Hand Made In Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Cross Pendant Hand Made In Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Horse Enamel Sewing Kit Box From Ireland $25.73 |
|
|
Claddagh Celtic Enamel Heart Jewelry Box Irish Made $25.73 |
|
|
Celtic Horse Enamel Heart Jewelry Box Irish Made $25.73 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Dolphin Enamel Compact Powder Mirror $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Lucky Irish Shamrock Celtic Cross Pocket Mirror $25.73 |
|
|
Claddagh Celtic Enamel Sewing Kit Box Irish Made $25.73 |
|
|
Enamel Irish Celtic Horse Compact Powder Mirror $25.21 |
|
|
Enamel Claddagh Celtic Compact Powder Mirror Irish Made $25.21 |
|
|
Enamel Celtic Triskele Compact Mirror Trinity Knot RED $24.99 |
|
|
Enamel Celtic Cross Compact Mirror Trinity Knot Green $24.99 |
|
|
Celtic / Irish Enamel Earrings By Sea Gems UK GORGEOUS $24.99 |
|
|
NIB Irish Celtic gold HARP PENDANT NECKLACE enamel TARA $24.99 |
|
|
10.041.11 CROSS CELTIC ST. SAINT BENEDICT SILVER ENAMEL $24.00 |
|
|
CELTIC STYLE BRONZE ENAMEL FIBULA THREE HEAD EAGLE $23.99 |
|
|
NEW IRISH BRONZE/ENAMEL PENDANT CELTIC DESIGN JEWELRY $23.75 |
|
|
NEW IRISH CELTIC BRONZE AND ENAMEL BROOCH JEWELRY $23.00 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Dolphin Enamel Pill Box Made In Ireland $22.58 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Horse Enamel Pill Box Hand Made In Ireland $22.58 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Enamel Pill Box Hand Made In Ireland . $22.58 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Enamel Pill Box Hand Made In Ireland $22.58 |
|
|
Silver Tone Black Enamel Celtic Square Knot Pen BNIB $22.55 |
|
|
Silver Tone Black Enamel Celtic X Knot Design Pen BNIB $22.55 |
|
|
Irish Celtic Cross Enamel Pill Box Made In Ireland $22.58 |
|
|
St Patricks Day Irish enamel Celtic Shamrock Pill Box $22.58 |
|
|
Silver Tone Black Enamel Celtic Double Knot Pen BNIB $22.55 |
|
|
Set of Two Perfume Bottles set with Swarovski Crystals, Flowered, Hand Enameled, Pewter, Limited Edition, Glass Bottle, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Authenticity, Purple, Pink, Brown, Gold, Blue, Yellow, Green, Amber $49.95 If you have any problems with Amazon Support, call us at (310)498-9695 . The vintage design, coupled with sparkling Swarovski Crystals makes this set a true collector’s item. Multi-colored crystals dazzle in the the rich, hand enameled hues of Indigo Blue, Amber Yellow, and Deep Orange and Pale Pink. Opens by unscrewing the large ball on top of the bottle. This will allow use of the perfume appli… |
|
|
Blue Celtic Perfume Bottle set with Swarovski Crystals Flowered Yellow Pink Gold Amber w/ Funnel Limited Edition Certificate of Authenticity $35.95 If you have any problems with Amazon Support, call us at (310)498-9695 . Height: 4.5 inches |
|
|
Celtic Perfume Bottle Set, inlaid with Swarovski Crystals, Purple, Blue, Pink, Yellow Limited Edition, Hand Enameled Floral Decorative Bottles with Certificates of Authenticity and Funnel $49.95 If you have any problems with Amazon Support, please call us directly at (310)498-9695A set of two perfume bottles. Absolutely stunning with meticulously set, Swarovski Crystals dancing on hand enameled, pewter cases. Inside, is a glass bottle with wand perfume applicator. This delicate set features a floral and filigree design which allows light to filter through the cut away openings for a la… |
|
|
Boston Celtics Sterling Silver Basketball 3/4 Pendant with Enamel Shamrock $38.18 Every Celtics fan needs a little luck of the Irish, by wearing this Boston Celtics Sterling Silver Basketball Pendant with Enamel Shamrock. Measures approximately 3/4â and Officially Licensed by the NBA…. |
|
|
Boston Celtics Solid Sterling Silver ”I Heart” Circle Logo 1/2” Enamel Pendant Let everyone know you hold a special place in your heart for the Boston Celtics with this wonderfully crafted and officially licensed pendant. Made of Solid Sterling Silver Custom made when ordered. Ships in 7-12 business days…. |
|
|
Sterling Silver 2008 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BOSTON CELTICS BANNER 7/8 ENAMEL $43.64 Enjoy this pendant featuring the Boston Celtics. A great gift for any Celtics fan!Enameled pendantSize: 7/8″Sterling silver finishExpress your team pride with jewelry from LogoArt®. LogoArt® pendants are available in 14KT and 10KT gold, sterling silver and gold plated sterling silver. The precise detail of your favorite team’s logo is captured in expensive metal molds. Items are cast of precious… |
|
|
Silver Celtic Cross Cufflinks Cuff Links new $49.95 These cufflinks are great for everyday wear, special occasions and weddings. They make a perfect gift for the Groom and Groomsmen, that special someone, or just for yourself! Enamel & Silver Plated. Display Beautifully in Included Jewelry Box. Bullet Back Closure. Dimensions: Approx. 3/4″ Diameter… |
|
|
Celtic Dragon Energy Pewter Necklace $16.49 An elongated ‘Shannon knot’ dragon transmits the energy generated from a center red power crystalUnique pendant comes with a 24-inch lead-free antiqued pewter 3 mm circle link chainNecklace has a 2-inch extension |
|
|
Dragon Vine Celtic Knot Pewter Necklace $9.29 Celebrate the forces of nature just like the ancient druids did wearing our dragon vine Celtic knot pewter necklacePendant features green enameled pewter leaves that seem to grow from the knotted design |
|
|
Sterling Silver Pride Celtic Border Necklace $24.49 Stylish pendant features a triangle-shaped, rainbow-striped, baked enamel inlay, representing prideHand-finished jewelry is crafted of fine sterling silverCeltic Pride necklace is framed by a never-ending Celtic knot border |
Write a comment: