A Brief History of Jewelry
The oldest piece of jewelry found was a necklace made out of fishbone from approximately 25,000 years ago.
Across continents, time periods, and different cultures, we see that some form of jewelry has transcended these physical and metaphysical divides. What may have started as functional items (broaches/pins to fasten clothing, rings and pendants to act as seals) eventually grew to become symbols beyond their original purpose.
They morphed into talismans. Bones, teeth, and feathers were some of the first pieces of jewelry, worn by hunters to bring good luck on the next hunt. Early societies used jewelry as amulets with the belief that they could also offer protection— think jade, tiger's eye, lapis lazuli.
Eventually, jewelry began to signify something even deeper— our human connection and sense of belonging. Jewelry became heirlooms, we exchanged rings to signify lifelong bonds.
In early civilizations along the Mediterranean, there's evidence of jewelry that was likely worn as amulets to ward against bad luck and illness. These included gold pieces, bejeweled with carnelian, amethyst, and turquoise.
Throughout the Middle Ages, royalty and nobility used jewelry to show power, wealth, and cultural significance. Jewelry was a special privilege for them to enjoy and prevented commoners from wearing jewelry to maintain the social divide.
During the crusades, jewelry was extended from being worn on your person to becoming adornment for objects. Crowns, scepters, even Bibles and churches were decorated with gold and precious jewels during a time when life was hard for the common folk and luxury was a true privilege.
Jewelry in the Modern Age
These meanings have prevailed to present-day. While more accessible to the public, jewelry still carries weight as both a symbol of luxury and history. High-quality jewelry maintains a connotation for wealth and privilege.
Classic jewelry made of gold, silver, and jewels still reign supreme due to their proven longevity and ability to last.
That said, there is a rising industry for fashion jewelry or jewelry made with alternative materials that can produce similar looks at a more affordable price point.
The availability of different jewelry qualities allows a wider group of people to add sparkle, increase self-confidence, and participate in the feeling of luxury.
Leslie's Relationship to Jewelry
In Filipino culture, jewelry has a special significance. Since I was a child, I received jewelry as gifts from my parents, godparents, and other loved ones. It was a symbol of adoration as much as adornment. Many pieces were gifted with the intention that they would become heirlooms, vessels of love that would allow me to stay connected with the gifter.
My ears were pierced at 6 months old so that I could wear these talismans and decorative pieces. Even as a child, I was gifted pure gold and pearls. The Philippines was known as the Pearl of the Orient for the abundance of freshwater pearls. Gold filigree and pearls honored the pre-colonial, indigenous heritage of the islands.
As I grew up, I watched my mother put on jewelry everyday, often wearing a mixture of modern American jewelry of gold and gemstones, with the pearls of her childhood.
My sense of style slowly began to incorporate these adornments, also welcoming symbols and materials from other cultures to act as talismans. I often favor jewelry that is made with gold or gold-plated material, with imagery of celestial bodies or nature.
My usual go-tos for jewelry while traveling, containing my favorite pieces
Favorite pieces include jewelry that pay homage to myself:
- Solid Gold Birthflower Necklace and Ring (shown in the center photo below)
- Solid Gold Birthstone Capsule Collection (Earrings, Necklace, Ring)
*If you're inspired to explore new or different jewelry options, you can use code BUSYGALLIVANTINGPODCAST for 10% off at Local Eclectic or code GALLIVANT for 20% off at Inner Sanctum.
