Jewellers And Their Art In History
Hardly anything can rival the magnificent and refined art of jewellery in its timeless beauty and everlasting appeal to people. For centuries talented jewellers have perfected their skills and passed the secrets of profession from generation to generation to create real masterpieces that can cause love and hate, admiration and envy. A piece of jewellery doesn't necessarily need to be functional because it is pure art for art's sake, although some masters have managed to give objects of everyday life an unearthly look. The history of personal adornments reflects the history of mankind and this article offers a brief review of the main stages of jewellery evolution.
Maybe the desire to decorate one's body was born together with civilisation. The archaeologists date the beads found in Africa as early as 75,000 years ago . In ancient cultures jewellery played important functions such as showing the social status of its owner (actually, not much has changed since then) and protection against the forces of evil. That is why the first jewellers were highly respected members of society and sometimes were even considered to possess magical powers. They used different kinds of materials available in the area such as gold, silver, wood, bones accompanied by gems, semi-precious stones and coloured glass. With the development of trade precious materials started to be imported and cost a fortune.
In medieval Europe jewellery making skills continued to develop with special attention paid to the decoration of weaponry. It was worn by bold warriors while their fair ladies adorned themselves with coin necklaces, silver and gold bracelets, earrings with gems, elegant hair-pins and combs. In accordance with old traditions jewellery often accompanied people both in life and in death. Now it is possible to appreciate the talent and imagination of jewellers of those times by studying the remnants of medieval tombs and treasuries.
The centuries that followed the Renaissance brought a bright kaleidoscope of different fashions and styles in jewellery . The exploration and discovery of the New World made precious and semi-precious stones such as emerald, topaz, amazonite, ruby and amethyst more available. The complicated techniques and delicate instruments allowed to give gems exquisite cuts thus creating true masterpieces. The rise of the middle class boosted the demand for luxury goods and to reduce the price substitutes for expensive jewels were used, for example, glass beads in place of pearls or conch shell cameos. It set the dividing line between high class jewellers and 'bijoutiers' who worked in cheaper materials.
Nowadays sophisticated jewellery is a marker of a good artistic taste and an essential part of a fashionable image. The names of leading jewellers are world-famous and presentations of their dazzling collections never fail to attract wide public attention. The wide choice of materials and innovative techniques allow people with different means to follow the latest trends in fashion choosing elegant decorations. Shimmering gold and silver, sparkling precious stones and intricate designs can give a special feel to every occasion and emphasise one's individuality. Because of their beauty and deep symbolism marvelous pieces of jewellery have always been an excellent way to express love, respect and affection to another person.
About the Author:
We sell a range of jewellery of the best jewellers and other brands. Please visit our website at http://www.steffans.co.uk
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