Origin of jewelry
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Jewelry traces its history to the Cro-Magnons, forefathers of Homo Sapiens, round about 40,000 years back. The Neanderthals were replaced by the Cro-Magnons during their migration from Middle East to Europe. Crude necklaces, bracelets of teeth, stone hung and bone were the adornments prevalent then. These ornaments had animal sinew or pieces of string as their bases. Some ornaments consisted of mother-of-pearl pieces or shell. In southern part of Russia, mammoth tusks were used to make carved bracelets. Copper jewelry came into being about 7000 years ago.
Egypt
Ancient Egypt was the first country to show traces of established jewelry. This had happened about 3000-5000 years back. Gold was the darling of Egyptians. Ornaments were worn by them in death as well. Adornments were placed amidst the other grave goods.
Europe and The Middle East
Mesopotamia
Sumer and Akkad were the prominent cities in jewelry making about 4000 years ago. The ‘Royal Cemetery of Ur’ is archaeological evidence to this.
Greece
Gems and gold jewelry were made by the Greeks in 1400 BC. They had become experts in emerald, pearl and amethysts to be used in jewelry making. The Greeks were not all that showy. They used to wear ornaments only on exceptional occasions. Earlier, Barbarian tribes like ‘Celts’, wore jewelry which had unique designs. Later, the Roman Empire made its mark on the jewelry designs.
Medieval Period
Post-Roman Europe went on to become the hub of jewelry. Later, when the Byzantine Empire came into existence, the trend of lightweight ornaments began and still continues to be.
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