Have you ever wondered why women accessorize with jewelry? It may just be a habit to put on your earrings every day, but what triggers this habit? Crafting and wearing jewelry dates back thousands of years, a cultural practice of civilizations from every period and corner of the globe.
Throughout history, jewelry has been worn as a symbol of wealth, status, family affiliations, and of course—passion. Some shop for jewelry at local jewelry stores, like Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, as a means of artistic expression, communicating creativity and quirkiness with unique and colorful adornments. Others choose to wear jewelry for its symbolism or personal significance. Though jewelry is appealing for different reasons, there’s no denying its significant role in our everyday lives. We’re taking a deeper look at what motivates women’s persistent fascination with jewelry and why these beautiful works of art have enchanted societies for centuries.
Jewelry Communicates Social Status
One of the fundamental reasons our ancestors decorated themselves in jewelry was to convey their stature to others. For centuries, wealthy families retained authority and influence through marriage, and wearing ornate decorations was one way of cementing a matrimony. Women heavily decorated in jewels were more inclined to impress potential suitors, attracting a worthier spouse than someone with fewer adornments.
Additionally, jewelry has served as an amulet to promise the safety and protection of respected people such as royalty and religious figures. Ancient civilizations have long believed that colored jewels and precious metals possess mystical properties with the power to shield a wearer from detriment, ignite their emotions, and stimulate wealth. In fact, the royal jewels of Austria, Portugal, France, and many others are still in preservation today, evidence of the opulence and grandeur of historical time periods.
Jewelry Allows Self Expression
Much like the clothing we dress in, jewelry can convey a lot about a woman’s style and interests. This is true of the items we choose to wear ourselves, and those we gift to others. Someone with a versatile sense of fashion may choose to wear striking, colorful jewelry that draws a lot of eyes, or that serves as a conversation starter. Conversely, someone more modest may prefer classic, traditional pieces that don’t conform to ever-changing jewelry styles.
Even more so, the jewelry women wear reflects the mood they’re in. A cheerful, upbeat disposition can be expressed with vibrant, colored gemstone baubles. Alternately, feelings of melancholy can clearly be communicated with dark onyx or black diamond jewelry.
Women often were jewelry to show connection to a certain culture or society. Claddagh rings, for instance, are cherished by those of Irish heritage as a symbol of friendship, love, and devotion. Turquoise is treasured by Native American cultures and is worn as an embellishment for jewelry, clothing, and protective armor. Similarly, someone who is devoutly religious might depict this by wearing jewelry that features religious motifs.
Giving the gift of jewelry is also a mode of self-expression, as we tend to select gifts that best translate our feelings towards others. We express sentiments of love, attraction, sympathy, etc. with the jewelry we give others. While many people are great at articulating their feelings, some show their affection with a gesture. Jewelry provides a variety of colors and symbols that grant us plenty of choice when trying to express specific emotions.
Jewelry Has Healing Properties
As we briefly mentioned, many believe gemstones possess certain qualities and characteristics that make them significant to us. Every gemstone has its own unique meaning, spiritual energy, beauty and allure. Rubies, for example, are said to spark emotions of passion and adventure, while diamonds are said to expose the joy and light within the wearer’s soul. Additionally, gemstones like amethyst and morganite are treasured for their ability to help improve ailments of the mind and spirit.
Another widely popular trend is birthstone jewelry. No matter the time of year you were born, a radiant colored gemstone corresponds to the month. Birthstone jewelry makes an excellent gift; it’s also fairly simple to shop for. Some women even opt for a non-traditional design and select an engagement ring with a colored gemstone. More frequently, brides are wanting non-conventional rings with intimate details that are tailored to their desires. A glittering gemstone offers the beautiful personalization for the contemporary bride-to-be seeking to sway from the norm.
Women Wear Jewelry Because They Love It
There are endless reasons women wear jewelry, but perhaps the best explanation is simply this: they love it! Like any form of artistic creation, jewelry plays to our desires and reveals our deepest emotions. It can empower us to feel beautiful, powerful, proud, and sensible while also helping to bring peace and stability to our lives.