JEWELLERY (JEWELRY)
Jewellery (UK pronunciation) or jewelry is usually an item worn by a person like a necklace, ring, brooch or bracelet, an item of personal adornment. Jewelry is made from a variety of materials from natural stones and metals to synthetics and plastic. Traditionally jewellery was seen as an item of either monetary or personal value. Therefore, jewelry is most commonly thought of as made from gemstones or precious metals. Jewelry is usually shaped and crafted for aesthetic purposes as well as designed for a purpose or to symbolise something such as a religious belief or memorable moment. Geometric and other patterns are often used in jewellery from all parts of the world and a lot of jewellery draws from or is created from natural occurrences or images seen in nature. Modern day jewellery is created in many forms and for an uncountable number of reasons, although many of the aesthetic, symbols, and ideology remains the same. the multi-billion dollar fashion industry has also become a major driver for what is worn and why jewellery is worn. Jewelry can be found in many forms and is warn all over the body. In certain parts of the world jewellery is also used to change body shapes by stretching over time. Items such as belts and handbags etc. are not considered to be jewellery, rather accessories, although new post-modern jewellery creations do blur the boundaries at times. The word jewellery comes from the word jewel, which was anglicised from the Old French "jouel" in the 13th century. Even further in history jouel came from the Latin word jocale which meant "plaything". One of the oldest forms of adornment and to some degree, fashion, as archaeologists have discovered jewelry beads from 100,000 years ago. It is not uncommon for jewellery to be seen as a symbol of someone’s wealth, particularly when considering precious materials such as gold, silver, diamonds, etc... In history jewellery had functional value; for example, hold garments (clothes) in place. History shows that some of the earliest jewelry was made from natural materials easily found in nature such as bone, animal teeth, shell, and wood and carved stone. Anything more exotic than that was usually linked to wealthy people and royalty and often indicated social class. In some cases and cultures it was very common to bury the wealthy with their jewellery. Not just a modern phenomenon, jewelry has been made cross cultures to adorn nearly every body part possible. Most jewellery considered to be high quality is made from gemstones and precious metals, such as silver or gold, although there is a growing desire for art and sculpted jewellery. It's unique and creative design can often command high prices, particularly when associated with designer brands. Even costume jewelry and silver wire jewellery has become more elaborate interesting and expensive in a world hungry for new and interesting creations.
