Gorgeous gemstone jewellery such as magnificent rubies, bright diamonds, enormous emeralds, and others conjure up thoughts of vast wealth and beauty. In addition to being utilized as medicine, they have served as the basis for stories and curses.
However, gemstone jewellery is more than just an adornment, flash of wealth, historical relic kept in a museum, or unused safe deposit box. Jewellery conveys much more than just that; it also represents our alienation from the animal realm and our desire to observe and value beauty. Continue reading for a history of how gemstones have been used in jewellery. KGK gemstones are in a league of their own when it comes to class, elegance, and style.

What Was The Prehistoric Era Like?

Animal teeth, bone, shells, carved stone, and wood were some examples of the natural materials and discovered artefacts used to create the first jewellery. According to our theory, the earliest jewellery was made to have a practical purpose, including serving as a fastener for clothing. Similar to how people gather food, the first gems that were utilised may have been discovered while sifting through the gravel in a dry river bottom.
What these ape-like individuals must have thought of these beautiful but seemingly pointless items is beyond modern comprehension. Gemstone jewellery making has been utilised throughout human history to fend off danger, ward off evil, and treat illnesses as well as serve as a symbol of riches and rank.

The Egyptian Era

When most people think of ancient historical jewellery, they immediately think of the Egyptians. The abundance of wonderfully elaborate, gold-covered artefacts in Tutankhamun’s nearly undamaged tomb was one of the tomb’s most astounding discoveries. Modernist jewellery was inspired by the Egyptian style, and this inspiration is still present today. The religious value of particular holy artefacts was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, and this was seen in the jewellery motifs they used.
The earliest people to brag about their brilliance, might, and prosperity both within and outside of their society were the ancient Egyptians. In addition to being significant during their time on earth, this projection of wealth was also significant after they passed away. Egyptian jewellery is known for using a wide variety of vibrant gems in its creation, which is one of its most distinguishing features.

The Mediaeval Period

Gemstone jewellery collection has always been a display of wealth for the wealthy and powerful, but no group did it better than the Church in the Middle Ages. Between the fifth century AD and the sixteenth century, a vast amount of time is referred to as the Middle Ages.
The concept that gemstones had therapeutic properties was particularly strong at this period; it was widely believed that jewels could cure any sickness. Talismanic rings were used as a preventative measure against disease and poisoning as well as to fend off evil and the envious “evil eye.”
The ornamental arts started to break out of the royal court’s exclusive environment as Europe grew richer near the end of the Middle Ages. The Gothic style emerged during the Renaissance of the thirteenth century, replacing enamelwork, inlaid ivory, and diamonds set in elaborate metalwork.
Junior craftsman was put to the test by guild members to see if his work held up after years of training as an apprentice in a particular profession. The gemstone jewellery employed included garnets, jasper, sapphires, and emeralds, and they worked with silver and gold.

The Victorian Epoch

From the 16th century to the 1800s, explore the fascinating world of Victorian gemstone jewellery. No other group had more of an impact on the nation’s aesthetic sensibility and general mood than the royal family in terms of fashion, social attitudes, and aesthetic taste. An eclectic mix of stylistic elements was combined throughout the Victorian era.
With a focus on the value of dreams, emotions, and sentimentality, early Victorian romanticism represented a social change away from the aristocratic, social, and political conventions of the day. Consequently, design throughout this period was greatly influenced by this. A new fascination with nature emerged during the Romantic period, and to create the “romantic” motif, symbols evoking Eden, like the serpent, grapes, flowers, and birds, were added.
Following Queen Victoria’s coronation as the Empress of India in 1876, “Orientalism” sparked a renewed interest in the Far East. Indian and Eastern design elements have also found their way into European artwork and gemstone jewellery.

Conclusion

Contemporary jewellery stands out because it draws inspiration from all of these design fads while giving it a unique twist. Nowadays, there are many other styles and themes from which to draw inspiration rather than just one main one. Look through the KGK Group collection. They gracefully integrate all such historical developments and present a more sophisticated and contemporary gemstone jewellery assortment.
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