Jewellery is one of humanity’s oldest and most universal art forms. Long before written language, agriculture, or metalworking, people adorned themselves with objects of meaning symbols of identity, protection, beauty, and belonging. As societies evolved, so did the craftsmanship, materials, and cultural significance of jewellery. The story of jewellery is, in many ways, the story of civilisation itself.
This article explores that journey from prehistoric adornment to the refined artistry of the modern era, drawing on archaeological evidence and historical research.
🕰️ Prehistoric Beginnings (110,000 – 73,000 BC)
Archaeologists have uncovered some of the earliest known jewellery in Morocco, Israel, Algeria, and South Africa: drilled seashell beads believed to be worn as amulets. These simple pieces shells, bones, teeth reveal that even early humans used jewellery for protection, identity, and ritual.
By 38,000 BC, Europeans crafted beads from bone and animal teeth, while the East Gravettian culture (modern Czech Republic) produced fossilised shell and ivory beads around 28,000 BC.
🐦 Ancient Civilisations: Symbolism, Status & Craftsmanship
Ancient Egypt (5000–30 BC)
Egyptians elevated jewellery to a sophisticated art form. Gold abundant in the region became the metal of the gods. Scarabs, winged motifs, and protective symbols dominated designs, often inlaid with lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, and amethyst.
Jewellery was not merely decorative; it was spiritual. Pieces were buried with the dead to accompany them into the afterlife.
Mesopotamia (2750–1200 BC)
Mesopotamian jewellers pioneered advanced techniques such as granulation and filigree, creating intricate designs using gold, silver, and gemstones like agate, lapis, jasper, and carnelian. Their work influenced neighbouring cultures through extensive trade networks.
Ancient Greece (1400–30 BC)
Greek jewellery reflected mythology, nature, and ideals of beauty. Gold wreaths imitating laurel leaves were worn by victors and elites. Amethyst, pearls, chalcedony, garnet, and emeralds were common stones.
Ancient Rome (500 BC – 400 AD)
Romans popularised seal rings, brooches, amulets, and talismans. Designs often featured animals and coiling snakes, and gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, pearls, amber, garnets, and diamonds were widely used.
🛡️ The Middle Ages (400–1500 AD)
After the fall of the Roman Empire, jewellery became a privilege of nobility and royalty. Religious symbolism dominated, and gemstones like rubies, sapphires, pearls, and emeralds adorned ceremonial garments and relics.
Moon‑shaped earrings, popularised by the Romans, remained fashionable until the 12th century.
🎨 Renaissance & Georgian Eras (1500–1830)
The Renaissance revived artistic expression across Europe. Jewellery became more elaborate, featuring animals, floral motifs, and new diamond cuts such as the rose cut. Portraits from this era reveal layered necklaces, chandelier earrings, and gemstone‑rich designs.
The Georgian period continued this trend, with diamond jewellery becoming a staple of evening attire.
👑 Victorian Era (1835–1900)
Queen Victoria’s influence reshaped jewellery tastes across Europe. Sentimental pieces — lockets, mourning jewellery, and romantic motifs — became widespread. This era also saw the rise of mass production, making jewellery more accessible.
🌸 Art Nouveau & Edwardian Styles (Early 1900s)
Art Nouveau introduced flowing, organic forms inspired by nature. Enamel work flourished, and jewellers embraced soft curves and pastel gemstones.
The Edwardian era, by contrast, favoured elegance and lightness — platinum filigree, lace‑like patterns, and diamonds set in airy designs.
🟥 Art Deco (1920–1935)
The Roaring Twenties brought bold geometry, vibrant colours, and modernist influences. Art Deco jewellery embraced symmetry, cubism, and exotic motifs. Wristwatches also became fashionable during this period.
💎 Modern Jewellery (Mid‑20th Century to Today)
Contemporary jewellery blends tradition with innovation. Designers experiment with new materials, ethical sourcing, lab‑grown diamonds, and digital design technologies. Jewellery today is more personal than ever — a fusion of heritage, identity, and self‑expression.
Conclusion
From prehistoric shells to 3D‑printed masterpieces, jewellery has evolved alongside humanity, reflecting our beliefs, technologies, and cultures. Yet its essence remains unchanged: jewellery is a language — a way to express who we are, what we value, and the stories we carry.
For Custom Jewellery Designs in Hillarys, Perth WA, this history is more than academic. It’s the foundation of every bespoke piece crafted in‑store — where ancient symbolism meets modern craftsmanship, and every customer becomes part of jewellery’s timeless story.
Sources
JewelryLab – History of Jewelry Timeline
HistoryOfJewelry.net – Jewelry Timeline
TheJewelryAffair.com – The History of Jewelry: From Ancient Times to Modern Day
