Over many centuries, people have developed jewelry that fits into variations of styles throughout the decades. It first originated around 3000-4000 BC, and it mainly consisted of amulets and seals. Archaeologists discovered that tombs in ancient Sumer contained jewelry as early as 3000 BC. Inside them, they found mummies with headdresses, earrings, necklaces, crowns, and pins. People favored human shells and bones when they created jewelry 25,000 years ago.

​

Jewelry had certain structures in ancient Europe, where it originated. For example, the jewelry you wore was dependent on your hierarchical status during the Middle Ages.Royalty and nobility wore gold, silver, and precious gems, and lower. Commoners made their jewelry from base metals such as copper. Jewelry also had an impact on the Renaissance. It was colorful and had many advances in cutting techniques, which increased the glitter of the stone. People wore many pieces to demonstrate their political strength and the importance of religion.

​

In the 17th century, as fashion changed and grew, new forms of jewelry were also created, like large bodices and breast ornaments that were pinned or stitched onto the fabric of the dress. In the 18th century, they most frequently used diamonds. Diamonds are significant to humanity, and with diamonds, they made jewelry like wide choker necklaces with pendants and a chatelaine. It also incorporated jewelry for archaeological purposes with Pompeii and Herculaneum. Older styles inspired jewelry designs in the 19th century, like those from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the medieval and Renaissance periods. Over time, the designs became more fancy and detailed. Eventually, the Arts and Crafts movement started as a reaction to industrialization, bringing back simpler, handmade styles.

​

Jewelry initially started in Europe, and with the help of migration, trade happened. People used turquoise and copper in different parts of the world, even in places where they normally wouldn’t be found, because migration and trade enabled it. European explorers bought jewelry and glass trade beads with others, and these resources reached the Native Americans in no time. Rumors about gold in America caused a lot of jewelers and goldsmiths to come and live there, with most people living in North America. With the help of other resources they were getting through trade, they made good use of the gold.

​

Silver, gold, and platinum are rare and valuable metals because they don’t rust or corrode, and they are easy to shape. Silver was first used around 3000 BC in Greece and Turkey, mainly for making coins. When Europeans found a lot of silver in the New World, it became even more popular. Today, photographers and electronics manufacturers also use silver. People discovered gold around 4000 BC in Eastern Europe and used sheepskin to collect it from rivers. Over time, people melted gold into larger pieces and used it for money, jewelry, and electronics.

​

In contemporary times, jewellery has evolved into maximalism with bold and textured pieces. These involve chunky chains and rings, cuffs, colourful gemstones, and some containing mixtures of gold and silver. Jewellry has strengthened in many forms. Recent styles match various aesthetics, even if some appear nostalgic today!

​