Jewelry Back in the Beginning by Rev. Eleanor Richard

Jewelry Back in the Beginning by Rev. Eleanor Richard
Jewelry in western civilization may have begun as beads of mourning, according to research done by Char, at www.collectiblejewels.com. Queens of England, and sometimes even their court, had to stay in full or half morning for several years. Jet black stones at Whitby flourished throughout early centuries, producing brooches, necklaces, earrings and bracelets in vast numbers. (I have even seen an unusual black stone necklace, worn by Queen Victoria in mourning, when I was recently in England.)
The memory of the dearly departed was often preserved in a locket, perhaps with a lock of their hair inside. A brooch or ring was also designed and used as a memorial to the loss of a friend or family member, truly a keepsake for life.
Fashion in jewelry was and is dictated by whatever the current style demanded. For example, in the late 1830's the head and neck was the focus of attention, so the chignon was built up in fancy shapes and pierced by arrows and daggers. Small lockets and pretty necklets lay on the open necks of the dresses. Even flat, broad shoulders in style at this time allowed plenty of space for long earrings.
Then came the opposite trend: necklines were buttoned up, ears were covered with either hair or bonnets, and earrings completely disappeared in the 1840's. To make up for the lack of jewelry, brooches were popular, and pendants. Rings showed of the hands, which were in fashion as a focus of attention. Large bracelets, with or without dangling pendants, also emphasized hands and wrists.
The1850's were prosperous and optimistic, featuring rich, elegant clothing. Sparkles and diadems adorned the swept up hair styles. Much jewelry came back in fashion, including earrings, though usually small ones. Evening brought forth elaborate necklaces, while daytime saw brooches at the throat.
In our time, we can see the appearance of anklets, as mini skirts came into fashion. Think about your own generation, and look at the jewelry of those times. Friendship bracelets, as fears began to diminish. I don't even want to comment on jewelry piercing! But it is most interesting to see how we highlight with jewelry that which is important to us today. http://www.JewelryGems.org Collectible Pins, Gemstone Jewelry, Science of Mind Jewelry
About the Author
Rev. Eleanor Richard is a minister of Religious Science & the Present Moment. She is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Lomi Bodywork practitioner, and a certified Natural Vision Instructor. She lives with her husband near Mt. Shasta, Ca. and loves wearing symbolic jewelry.