The history of a mineral, crystal or metal can unlock a deeper, more
meaningful value to jewelry. Indeed, the anthropology, archaeology,
geography, and technology of special gems and elements can provide rich
stories.
Copper
Take for example copper, and its oxides, which are the most ancient
minerals used. They began showing up in the ancient jewelry of Sumeria,
Pre-Columbian America, and Egypt around 4,000 B.C., and also played a
vital role in the wars fought in those volatile regions.
In addition to copper, Egyptians were also among the first to develop
bronze, a mixture of tin and copper. As early as 3,900 B.C., Egyptians
were developing copper products which eventually were used in common
household items such as cooking pots. By 2,500 B.C., Egyptian jewelry
makers had developed copper to a level that it was being used to create
crows and headdresses.
Copper use in Pre-Columbian America may predate its use in the Middle
East. In some cultures, metal working was so advanced it rivaled those
of the European invaders. Pre-Columbian Americans used copper for
bells, ornaments, weapons, jewelry, and armor.
Gold
The history of gold is long and complex, toppling some cultures and
giving rise to others. It has been and continues to be a symbol of
wealth and power. Not surprisingly, the use of gold in African cultures
has been extensive. Most often, tribes used gold to create objects for
the court of the local chiefs. Workshops exclusively dedicated to the
production of these treasures were extensive and elaborate.
In the Middle East, the discovery of Egyptian jewelry found in the tomb
of Queen Zer and Queen Pu-abi of Ur in Sumeria are not only the oldest
pieces of gold jewelry in existence, but also the oldest examples found
in any kind of jewelry. Sadly, over the centuries thieves raided most
of the Egyptian tombs. Thankfully, however, the tomb of Tutankhamen
remained undisturbed until its discovery in the 20th century. It was
the largest collection of gold and jewelry in the world and represents
the highest mark of skill in art achieved in human history.
The Minoan culture grew rich as a trading culture along the
Mediterranean trade routes and as a result, its jewelry making
flourished. The Minoans are known for their stamped gold sheeting and
filigree and granulated gold jewelry, burial masks, and beads. Some of
these techniques show up in Etruscan art. In Rome, the use of gold grew
beyond jewelry and expanded into household items and furniture in the
homes of the higher classes.
The news of the discovery of gold during the 19th century in the
American West could result in thousands of settlers who would risk life
and limb for a chance of finding gold. The most famous gold rush
occurred in California at Sutter's Mill in 1848.
Silver
Silver has been found in modern-day burial excavations of the ancient
Sumerian city of Ur. What is now modern-day Turkey was once a major
source of mined silver. The Chaldeans were the first culture to extract
silver form other ores around 2,500 B.C.
Historically, the cultures of South and North America, Greece, China,
Rome and Mexico developed superior silversmithing techniques and made
wide use of silver, not only in jewelry but also in household items.
In the New World, Spanish conquests revealed that the skills of
silversmiths were comparable to Spain in level of technique and
artistry. Exploitation of this silver by Europeans in Bolivia, Peru and
Mexico eventually produced nearly 85 percent of the world's silver
between 1500 and 1800.
In the 19th century, silver jewelry became more affordable thanks to
advances in technology. Tiffany and Company began producing silverware
in New York, while Nevada enjoyed the boom days of the Comstock Lode in
Virginia City, during which the mine produced millions of dollars worth
of silver.
Silver was the metal of choice in the 20th century for craftsmen of the
Arts and Crafts movement, who rebelled against the mass produced
jewelry that dominated the time. They combined silver with uncut stones
and cabochons. Jewelers from this time were mostly untrained novices
and so the quality of most of the pieces from this movement is low. The
best jewelry from the Arts and Crafts movement was produced by C.R.
Ashbee, Henry Wilson, Harold Stabler, and Liberty & Co., to name a
few. One of the best known Art Nouveau jewelry designers was Louis
Comfort Tiffany. In 1964, the U.S. government stopped issuing silver
certificates, which up until then had supported the paper currency.
Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry
the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and
Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more
information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit
www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
