As much as I love modern day jewelry and would love nothing more than to have my hands covered with lovely, expensive rings - they are the same pieces of jewelry that almost anyone can purchase these days. If you want something that is unique and has a history behind it, look into ancient jewelry. Despite the thoughts of ancient jewelry being incredibly expensive, not all of it is. I have found many pieces of ancient jewelry that are reasonably priced and less expensive than buying those shiny diamonds.
What amazes me, is the history behind the unique pieces of ancient jewelry. Some of the necklaces and earrings that have been discovered, are thousands of years old. They come from all corners of the world and are created by hands that saw some of the most historical times of our world's history. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a beautiful necklace, made from mummy beads, about a year ago. I only paid $250 and have been terrified to wear it. Instead, it sits in a jewelry box and will be passed on to my daughter. I take it out every so often to admire its beauty and am just amazed at how many years this necklace has managed to survive and stay in such excellent condition. Ancient jewelry was often made with much more care and quality than modern day jewelry is. Not to say that modern day jewelry is made poorly, because it certainly is not. However, considering the skills of people from the ancient Egyptian times as well as other time periods, some ancient jewelry was made flawlessly. I like the
fact that when you are buying ancient jewelry, you are not only owning a piece of history, but continuing the stories of the people who once owned it. Their story continues to exist when someone carries something of theirs into the present and future.
There are many places that you can find ancient jewelry and purchase it. Sometimes jewelry auctions have ancient jewelry. You may not always be able to find ancient jewelry, but much of the recent past antique jewelry can be found. Christies auction often has ancient jewelry, but at much more expensive prices. There are some websites of private individuals and stores that have ancient jewelry pieces for sale. I have seen prices range greatly. I would however, recommend purchasing only ancient jewelry that comes with a certificate of authenticity. Once you purchase a piece of ancient jewelry, research that piece. You may find out some fascinating facts and will help to keep some peoples' stories alive.
Masterpieces Of Ancient Jewelry
Necklaces are a prime part of the jewelry pieces that we own and wear. We can claim the ownership of a variety of necklaces starting from a simple gold necklace to a very sophisticated and expensive diamond necklace. Where a gold necklace would be used on a casual day, a diamond necklace would be a part of our wedding attire! This is in respect to the current scenario.
Necklaces were not an invention of the jewelry designers of the era when precious metals like gold and silver were discovered! Though not in the form of gold and diamond necklaces, the concept of necklaces is 75,000 years old! If you follow the trail of human history, you would find necklaces as a part of their life even when clothing wasn't! The disparity is just that, in those days necklaces were made of skulls, bones and other animal parts. These necklaces were worn both by men and women.
The invention of metals like gold and silver, however, was the major turning point in the trend of necklaces and other jewelry pieces. Necklaces now became a part of women's jewelry. Gold necklaces were often seen beautifying women. With increased popularity of diamonds, diamond necklaces occupied a higher position than gold necklaces among the affordable classes. With the growing popularity of necklaces the need for more affordable forms than diamond necklaces aroused and thus, were introduced gemstone necklaces. It was not just the affordability factor but also the immense color splash offered that made gemstone necklaces a favorite of masses and designers.
What can form a better adornment than a dazzling pearl strand crafted out of glossy pearls increasing the elegance of a feminine neck. Pearl necklaces have been part of fashion ever since pearls were invented. Though the trends in their use have undergone tremendous changes, pearls have always acquired a soft spot in every woman's heart. The current vogue is spectator of the introduction of colorful gemstones in pearl necklaces.
Though men used other jewelry pieces like gold rings and bracelets and also those made of other precious metals, necklaces were not very popular with them. It is with the entry of brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada etc that men's necklaces started becoming popular again!
I do agree that necklaces have gone through a lot of make-overs from the time of its origin and the credit goes to the smart brains behind it! But the concept of necklaces is not as novel as we think it to be. Some of the jewelries can aver the credit for brilliant designs and B2C Jewels is one of the strong contenders in this arena.
Both Peter Kring & Neil123 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Peter Kring has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Jewelry and Family Concerns. Peter Kring runs his own mail order business as well as running several shopping based websites. You can visit one of his websites about
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