Harvest Gold takes pride in our homemade gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry. We recognize it as one of the earliest art forms in the world. Jewelry has different meanings and significance to everyone.  So, enjoy this post about the early days of jewelry- from ancient times to today.

The earliest traces of jewelry found were in what is now called Iran around 3,000 to 400 BC. These pieces consisted of simple items, like stone amulets. Then came the Egyptian tombs, which is where they found mummies from 3000 BC with necklaces, rings, headdresses, earrings, crowns, and pins. The Egyptian jewelry featured many types of gemstones such as amethyst and turquoise.

The Greeks and Romans came next with their jewelry. In the Greek society, jewelry items with gemstones showed wealth and societal importance- sometimes they would wear up to 75 pieces at a time. However, the Romans enjoyed their jewelry for myth and magic purposes of the gemstones.

The crusades are what brings ancient jewelry to modern times. Jewelry in the Middle ages were meant for only royalty to enjoy. Each piece had a different meaning or purpose. As stated on GemSociety:

1. “Ecclesiastical rings, worn by clergy and laymen as sacred emblems.
2. Curative rings, meant to cure ailments and diseases.
3. Rings of romance, the wedding ring on the left second finger because of its closeness to the heart.
4. Gadget rings, including brass knuckles, compass rings, pipe stuffers.”

After this time period (Ending in the 17th Century), colorful gemstones started to lose their importance in fashion and diamonds began to rise in popularity.