Jewellery has been around for thousands of years and was originally derived from the French word “jouel” or “jewel” when translated in English. The oldest known type of jewellery was made from nassarius shells that had been formed into beads 100,000 years ago. The purposes for jewellery during these times were very varied. The natural material that the pieces were made from included animals teeth and bones, a range of shells, carved stone and even wood.

In ancient Roman times bronze was commonly used to make jewellery and was seen as a fine material. It was used to show status among others in which only certain ranks were allowed to wear jewellery and they were often buried with it too. Jewellery was also used for decoration and to pin items of clothes together.

In today’s world, there is a piece of jewellery to beautify every part of the human body from toe rings to tongue studs and made of a range of different materials. The more expensive of these materials are ones such as diamond rings, white gold, gold used in gold engagement rings for example and silver. The less expensive choices are types such as fashion jewellery made of plastic, glass, painted metal and also beads.

Beads are frequently used in jewellery pieces and commonly encompasses necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Large beads are now worn as a fashion accessory with a wonderful range range of colours to suit any chosen outfit. Beading, or beadwork, is also a popular material for many African cultures to use in their jewellery.

In the 19th and 20th century Western men were often labeled “effeminate” if they were to wear jewellery such as earrings but today it is commonly accepted and actually used as a fashion statement or a way to show a sign of courage or personality. Hip hop culture for example use the term “bling” to describe the many different types and amount of flashy jewellery they choose to wear at one time by males or females.

In the early 20th century, wedding and engagement rings were popularised for men and by the mid 1940’s a double ring ceremony was raising to 85% for weddings in the U.S. Today it is not a shock to see a male on the street or male celebrities fashioning diamond engagement rings.

For a long time jewellery, or “tom tomfoolery” as worded in Cockney rhyming slang, has had a large influence on our society and is still used today to show status and wealth through the amount the owner paid for the piece. From delicate bracelets to big and bold necklaces the designs choose to grow and develop to make our world a more interesting place.