Jewelry - The Ancient Adventure
Jewelry is a term that goes back to the realization of Man for self appraisal through beautification and the status valuation by the society thereof. During the excavations paleontologist found remains/ fossils at the burial sites that were decorated with animal bones and colored stones. At the excavation site of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, the oldest civilization, statues and idols were found which had beautiful carvings on them showing the Jewelry worn during the ancient times. The ornaments used during those times could be symbolic to various rituals related to worship or/ even display of beauty. There could be uses for wealth accumulation too. Some Jewelry found could be used for its functional use - like various metal rings and pins were found attached to pieces of garments, probably to keep the ensemble together. The oldest pieces of jewelry were made from materials found in and around the habitat like, stones, woods, bones etc.
Jewelry styles were different in every culture, but the differences were less marked than with other arts and crafts, because jewelry and the materials used for making it (beads, shells, copper and silver, ivory, gold, diamond and other stones) were major items for barter system used by merchants for trade purposes.
It was the availability factor and the craftsmanship to make the Jewelry that eventually defined the value of the product. The lack of availability of precious stones and craftsmanship thereof in the western countries during ancient times brought a huge demand for precious/ semi-precious stones and gold ornaments for the merchants from the Indian subcontinent.
A person's status was reflected largely by the Jewelry he wore or possessed. Jewelry was deemed as a status symbol during the ancient times and has remained totally unchanged even today. Kings, influential officials, rich merchants and people of higher class used to adorn themselves with precious Jewelry. Jewelry was and is considered as a must - wear for women during special occasions like weddings, festivals or public gatherings.
Jewelry has become an intimate part of human life. So much so, that it's used on a regular basis and can be related to an individual's life style and tastes. Be it earrings, necklace, wrist watches or bracelets. Jewelry is distinguished by several factors like style, craftsmanship, material, artistic value, market trend etc. Jewelry made of precious stones and metals might be expensive but the value of an artistic creation made from not-so-expensive materials might be priced much higher under the tag of Art Jewelry. Similarly the cost of jewelry with a credible history behind its origin and possession over the years could cost one millions under the tag of being a Vintage. There have been several pieces of Jewelry that have gone under the hammer at Christie's for humongous amounts because they could be related to some historic event or individual who possessed it.
In the modern times Jewelry could be used to define the era or period or a group. From Junk Jewelry to mark the sign of the rebellious 70's and 80's to the Bling-Bling style of the Hip-hop culture.