What is the history of Jewellery?
The word ‘Jewellery’ derives from the Latin Jocale, meaning plaything. Jewellery was first made from natural materials like teeth, shell, carved wood and stone. It is believed that Jewellery had a functional purpose, being used to fasten clothes and only later became pieces purely ornamental or of religious importance. Early indications show that as time progressed the use for jewellery became a symbol of wealth and status.
Egyptians preferred to use Gold when making their jewellery because not only was it rare and untarnished; it was easily malleable and therefore could be worked into any design. The ancient Greeks made colourful jewellery pieces using precious and semi-precious gems such as; garnets, amethysts, pearls and emeralds. They fashioned beads shaped like shells, flowers or beetles.
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