An Analysis of the History of European Jewellery Culture

Since the day of human beings, there has been a longing for and pursuit of beauty, and there has also been a demand for jewelry. In the European world outside of China, along with the origin of human beings, it also has a long-standing jewellery culture. With the passage of time, especially in the modern era, it has created an eye-catching cultural heritage and continues to inherit it. Rich.

Throughout the development of the European history and culture of jewellery, the jewellery culture and its impartial meaning are closely related to human values ​​and daily life. If the jewelry of ancient times was only for the purpose of satisfying the ancestors' desire for self-improvement, then the jewelry of the Middle Ages in Europe will have a layer of spiritual sublimation, which means the possession of power; the jewellery of the Renaissance period means wealth; 18 19th-century jewelry is a reflection of wealth and elegance. Since the 20th century, with great social changes, jewelry has been separated from a limited sense, and personalization has become increasingly prominent, becoming an indispensable fashion expression for contemporary people.

The earliest European jewelry discovered so far in ancient society dates back to the Paleolithic Age. The material of Stone Age jewelry is usually the vertebrae of animals' teeth, shells, fossils, pebbles, and fish. Apart from beautifying and decorating, it is still a brave mankind. symbol of.

In the 4th millennium BC, the jewellery manufacturing industry in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome was initially developed. The materials used to make jewelry in ancient Egypt have many natural colors. The jewelry that represents the highest achievements of jewelry is the jewelry of Pharaoh. Ancient Roman jewelry inherited the ancient Greek tradition in the early stage of modeling. Afterwards, the simple and simple style gradually replaced the traditional complexity and became a practical style. It is worth mentioning that ancient Rome first took the ring as a sign of engagement and marriage.

The Middle Ages of Europe in Middle Ages was known as the Dark Age. Religious culture greatly restricted people's thinking and aesthetics. Throughout the Middle Ages, jewelry and costumes were severely differentiated. Jewellery was divided into jewellery and secular jewellery. Different materials were used to reflect the corresponding status hierarchy. For example, diamonds can only be worn by nobles and aristocrats.

In the late Middle Ages, the jewelry culture began to develop. Jewels appeared in clothing and belts. Hair accessories, brooches, buckles and other accessories gradually flourished. Jewelry such as jewelry scallops often appeared in the upper class. The brooches were also exquisite and gorgeous. Even the shoes were decorated. Full of jewelry and gold leaf. People began to pursue the fashion of beauty again. Gemstones are not only used in the production of various kinds of jewelry, but also appear in the decoration of clothing and belts. Women's hair ornaments have a wide variety of changes. There are also a wealth of jewelry used on hair accessories. For example, hair nets covered by heads are made of gold wire, and hair nets are also embellished with beautiful gemstones, which are very luxurious and brooches and accessories. Buckle is also made of gold and silver materials decorated with precious stones.

In the Renaissance period of the Renaissance, apart from its religious and social significance, jewellery is also an integral part of clothing and is a manifestation of honor and privilege in clothing. The rulers and the emerging middle class big brothers show off their status and wealth through jewelry. Women's clothing during this period more common low-collar strapless style, the most suitable for the necklace to wear, and the pendant is an essential embellishment, pendant design theme includes religion, mythology, fables and exotic animals.

During this period, the use of gold and silver in women's jewelry was more common. The jewelry worn by the lady was gorgeous and elegant. For example, the gold chain with pearls was wrapped around the hairpin, and the gold round bead necklace was hanged with a precious stone. Pendant. Upper-level women have formed a jewel-like display of wealth and mutual competition, and people are competing to invest in jewelry. At the height of the Renaissance, jewelry such as necklaces and earrings became more and more voluminous, and the style became more complicated. The lady almost drowned herself in gold and silver jewelry.