National Jewel Day – March 13

To understand why National Jewel Day is such an important celebration, let’s take a quick stroll through the history of jewelry. Jewelry has been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years, and its significance has evolved through the ages.

Ancient Jewelry: Symbols of Power and Status

Jewelry can be traced back to the earliest human societies, where it was often used to symbolize power, status, and wealth. In ancient Egypt, for example, pharaohs and nobles wore lavish gold and gemstone jewelry as symbols of their divine right to rule. Rings, bracelets, and necklaces were often made of precious metals like gold and adorned with colorful stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise.

Jewelry wasn’t just decorative; it also had religious and spiritual significance. Many pieces were believed to hold magical powers or protect the wearer from harm. For example, the ancient Egyptians believed that certain gemstones could bring good luck or ward off evil spirits.

Jewelry in the Middle Ages: A Shift Towards Religious and Symbolic Meaning

During the Middle Ages, jewelry was still a sign of wealth and power, but it also took on a more religious and symbolic role. Religious icons, like crosses and pendants, became popular during this period. In fact, royalty and clergy often wore jewelry as a way of demonstrating their divine connection.

Renaissance and Baroque Jewelry: A Renaissance of Craftsmanship

By the Renaissance period, jewelry design experienced a resurgence in creativity, particularly among Europe’s elite. Gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies became more accessible to the upper classes, and the craftsmanship of jewelers flourished. Pieces from this era were often more intricate and detailed, with designs that showcased the skill of the jeweler.

The 19th and 20th Centuries: Jewelry Becomes an Art Form

As technology advanced, so did the possibilities for jewelry design. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of well-known jewelry houses, such as Cartier and Tiffany, which revolutionized the way people viewed and appreciated fine jewelry. The introduction of new materials, like platinum, and the development of new techniques, like precision-cut diamonds, transformed the jewelry industry into the sophisticated art form we know today.