People have worn jewellery throughout the ages for many reasons. Personal adornment, for decorative effect is the main reason, so you look and feel good. However there are many other reasons including wearing jewellery as a marker of social status (as in a wedding ring), as a symbol that means something personal such as love, luck or friendship (as in a friendship bracelet), and as an affiliation with a social circle or organisation. There were also functional uses of jewellery such as brooches and buckles.
The ritual of giving jewellery and the way it is worn is different in many cultures. If you are a Christian it is traditional to give a gift of silver when a child is christened. This tradition started in the Tudor times as silver was believed to a a valuable investment and symbolised independence when they were older. Whilst many cultures give a wedding ring as a sign of betrothal, the tradition is thought to be started by the Egyptians. The circle of a wedding band is a symbol of eternity with no beginning or end.
If you find the cultural value of jewellery interesting check out the infographic below.
This was fascinating and I love the meaning behind a ruby gemstone, which happens to be my birthstone x
ReplyDeleteRubies have been thought of as having many mystical properties for years. You are lucky it is your birthstone!
DeleteThis has made me want diamonds even more, I want wealth and sexual power! Lol! x
ReplyDeleteDon't we all Ally!
DeleteHow strange about the clock/watch gifting in China... Very interesting read.
ReplyDeleteYes, what an interesting infographic.
DeleteSuch an interesting read, I never knew the stones had meanings
ReplyDeleteOh I love this. I love the idea of wearing jewellery to ward off evil spirits etc. For me, its about personal adornment and symbols of important relationships. My son made me a bracelet in school yesterday and its my new favourite piece :) xx
ReplyDeleteYour son's bracelet sounds beautiful.
DeleteSuch an interesting post, you're so right about how common it is across the world, I had just never realised it before x
ReplyDeletefantastic read, thank you x
ReplyDeleteSo interesting - it is fun to see where some things come from like the weeding ring finger x
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! In particular I like the Navarana jewellery - I'd love an ornament with all those stones! xx
ReplyDeleteI love the idea behind the Navarana jewellery too!
DeleteOh wow this is amazing. I've only really read into the history of charm bracelets, who knew there was so much behind all these pieces.
ReplyDeleteJess
Philocalist.co.uk
I love learning about the culture of jewellery. When we were in the caribbean, I bought a beautiful necklace that had been hand made from wood, it was very traditional and sold at a tiny stall in an off-tourist market. I loved it. H x
ReplyDelete