HomeEducationArticlesAncient Civilizations And Fine Jewelry

Ancient Civilizations And Fine Jewelry

Human beings have enjoyed the glitz and glow of precious metals adorned with gemstones fashioned into fine jewelry since ancient times.  Archeologists discovered jewelry hand crafted in gold pieces inlaid with jasper, turquoise, amethyst and lapis found in the tombs in Egypt.

Eventually the jewelry arts extended from Egypt to Greece, where Greek artists were influenced by Asian filigree art which traveled to Crete around 2400 BC.  Gold and enamel were used in filigree techniques to create attractive rosettes, disks and tassels. Later Mediterranean extended to trading with England, Ireland and Scotland where these metalworking techniques arrived in northern Europe and Scandinavia.

In ancient times around 1100 BC, metal arts had migrated where Europeans also began favoring bronze. Some of you may be familiar with the Bronze Age. Brooches were set with precious stones. They were used as both a decorative and functional piece for binding clothing. By the 7th century BC, the Etruscans of central Italy began the country's ascent to gold dominance when they refined the granulation technique, carefully welding grains resembling gold dust into various shapes. Later, gemstones were substituted for the metal designs.

Over time jewelry designs became more modernized and diamond jewelry became the classic fashion it is today. It is a common thing with our traditions that metals and stones have become an accessory worn daily.