History of Handcrafted Jewelry - Handmade Beaded Jewelry
National Geographic has said the oldest beads date from almost 70,000 yrs old. It has been considered the beginnings of Symbolic thinking. They were very rudimentary forms, a bead was tied to a strip of leather or cord. They would sometimes use feathers, bone, shell, horn, tusks or animals around their necks.
Jewelry is considered any ornament people would wear. Whether in the form of bracelets, necklaces, brooches, pendants, rings, hairpieces, diadems, tiaras, hairpins even combs were used and decorated with gems. Its use has been mainly for personal embellishment. It has also been used for religious or magical purposes, or as a symbol of wealth and status.
Gradually by 3000 BC crafters discovered that if gold be heated it could be shaped so silver, copper and bronze were also tried and used. By this time, they had learned how to work bone, wood, horn and metal.
The earliest example of jewelry found, date from the Summerians (Modern Day Iraq), in the Tomb of an ancient Queen. The Queen was covered with a robe made with the most exquisite semi-precious stones, and gold beaded silver, Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, Agate and Chalcedony.
The Egyptians believed precious stones and gems had magical powers as well as good luck. They were involved with gold, it was easy to work and would not tarnish. Their favorite stones were Turquoise, Carnelians and Lapis Lazuli. They also liked working glass, faience and enamel.
As the Greek, they were the first in loved with Metalsmith” they worked mixed metals such as gold and silver into forms of shells, flowers and beetles. But by 300 BC, after Alexander the Great had open all trade Routes with the Far East, Greeks began to add color and all sorts of semi-precious gemstones such as Emeralds, Garnets, Amathysts and Pearls were added into their designs. They also began carving Cameos of Indian Sadonyx (brown pink/cream Agate stone) along with filigree work.
Once the Romans developed their own style, “gold settings” were created and the use of semi-precious spread. The Romans were the first to use the ring as a symbol of engagement and their favorite piece were the ring with the gems settings. They would use Sapphires, Cloudy Emeralds, garnets, Amber, Indian Diamonds, Crystals. They would also make clasps, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
As the Middle Ages comes and Christianity spreads as the Roman Emperor Constantine embraces it and as the Byzantine Empires becomes strong so does its influence in jewelry designs. Inspired in Iconoclasm or Holy Images Idolatration. The Heart of Jesus, Miraculous Medal, Guardian Angel, The Virgen Mary, St. Joseph and the Cross and Crucifix. It remained until the arrival of Islam and as they settled so did their traditions. They wore rings, pendants and necklaces. At the same time jewelry started becoming more colorful. The Goths, Vandals, Huns, Frans and Lombards who used to live in this area, took it over the regions once it belonged to the Greeks and Romans. Their Fibula were clasps pin.
And as we move to Western Europe, Medieval Sumptuary Laws came into force, common people in France and England could not wear girdles of coronals made of pearls, gemstones, gold or silver. Only Royalty and members of the court were allowed to wear jewelry.