Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Ever since their discovery they have been admired for they shimmering, light reflecting qualities and regarded as symbols of love, glamour and elegance. But we aren’t only inspired by diamonds; other gems, silver, gold and various precious metals and revered materials are just as exciting and have been coveted for centuries.
Scientists and historians can trace body ornaments back to around 75,000 years ago. African women made beads out of ostrich eggshells and snail shells. Later, berries, bone and even teeth were strung together to form necklaces and bracelets and the most luxurious jewellery, obviously worn by women of importance, was made using mother of pearl.
As time progressed body art, adornment and ornamentation changed from tattooing and body distortion to jewellery more like of the modern day. As the use of bone and ‘raw’ materials died out it was replaced by metals and copper was used to form beautiful necklaces, pendants and bangles around 7,000 years ago.
Diamonds first came onto the scene, it is believed, in Indian in the 4th century BC. But jewellery shops, as we know them, selling cut diamonds nestled snugly on engagement rings and fine, gold necklaces and intricate ruby pendants, did not exist until the 1800s.
One of the first, that still survives and thrives to this day is Tiffany & Co.. Founded in New York in 1837, it made jewellery a lot more accessible, allowing the middle classes to cut in on the action. A decade late Cartier open in Paris and in 1884 Bulgari opened in Italy. The jewellery industry – on a large scale – was born and since then jewellery has become a fashion staple able to transform an outfit with minimal effort. It is also a sign or status and wealth, elegance and style.
Today the biggest jewellery market is in the US. But before long, India, where diamonds were first discovered, and China, where consumerism grows apace, will take over as the main consumers of jewellery throughout the world.
Today, you can walk into any high street shop and find cheap, trendy jewellery, usually imitations of more luxurious versions found in exclusive jewellers and fashion houses. It is now an integral part of fashion and almost every large, international fashion house have their own jewellery line.
It is more affordable as materials are more abundant and less precious gems and metals can be used to similar effect as their more high quality counterparts. All that glitters is not gold and everyone can afford jewellery these days. For a huge range of the latest styles at various price levels, check out Pricedropper’s range of cheap jewellery.
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