Jewels have always been a symbol of beauty, wealth and power. But how and when were the first jewels born? The answer is not simple, because jewels have an ancient and varied history, which is intertwined with that of the civilizations that created and wore them.
The first evidence of ornamental objects dates back to the Paleolithic period , when primitive men used shells, bones, teeth and stones to adorn their bodies. These objects had a magical and religious value, as well as an aesthetic one. They served to protect from evil, to promote fertility or to express one's social status.
With the advent of metals, jewelry becomes more elaborate and refined . The first civilizations to work gold, silver and bronze were those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India. The jewels of these cultures reflected their worldview, myths and beliefs. They were often associated with funerary cults or sacred rituals.
From Greek classicism, goldsmiths begin to create jewels following the style of the civilizations of the time . In the classical age (461 – 366 BC), in fact, the jewels had more essential and simple lines. In the Hellenistic period (327 - 274 BC), however, they begin to take on a much more refined and particular style¹.
The Romans inherited the Greek tradition, but enriched it with oriental and barbaric influences. Roman jewelry was often embellished with precious stones and pearls, which were imported from distant places . Jewels were a sign of social distinction and political prestige.
In the Middle Ages, jewels suffered a crisis due to the fall of the Roman Empire and the barbarian invasions. Jewels become scarcer and simpler, often linked to Christian symbology. Only in the Renaissance did jewels flourish again, thanks to the patronage of the Italian courts and the rebirth of the arts and sciences . Renaissance jewels are works of art of great artistic and cultural value.
In the following centuries, jewels followed the fashions and trends of the various historical periods . From Baroque to Rococo, from Enlightenment to Romanticism, from Liberty to Art Déco, jewels transform and adapt to the tastes and needs of their wearers. Among the factors influencing the development of jewelery are geographical discoveries, technological innovations, social revolutions and wars.
Among the jewels that have made history there are those in Murano glass , works of art (such as necklaces and chokers , bracelets and earrings ) made by glass masters on the island of Murano, near Venice. Murano glass has an ancient history of elegance and above all of certified quality. The first documents attesting to the presence of furnaces in Murano date back to 982 AD, but it was in the 13th century that Murano glass reached its artistic and commercial peak. Murano glassmakers invented innovative techniques to create colored, transparent, opaque, filigree, millefiori and other special effects glass. Murano glass jewels were appreciated by nobles and princes from all over Europe and the Middle East. In the 18th century, Murano glass experienced a crisis due to foreign competition and the Napoleonic wars. Only in the 20th century did Murano glass shine again, thanks to the work of artists such as Vittorio Zecchin, Carlo Scarpa and Fulvio Bianconi. Today Murano glass is still a symbol of art and beauty, which is expressed in unique and original jewels .
Today jewelry is a form of personal expression and creativity. There are jewels of all types, shapes, materials and prices. There are traditional jewels and modern jewels, ethnic jewels and futuristic jewels, luxury jewels and low cost jewels. Jewels are accessible to everyone and can be personalized according to one's tastes and desires .
Jewels are therefore a testimony to the history of humanity, its cultures, its emotions and its aspirations. They are objects that tell stories and create new ones.