Jewelry has invariably been associated with women. It is a separate issue though that men and even animals are not far behind in adorning it. However, we'll come back to that later. The union of women and jewelry is as old as the union of man and woman. Can't believe it? Think of Eve. Can you imagine her without all those creepers and flowers around her? That was her jewelry. From there on it has come along way to modern day trinkets made in all sorts of material from metals like gold, silver, platinum, copper etc. To wood, jute, wool, glass, plastic, shells, ivory, lacquer, stone, clay, ceramic and many more. Then there are embellishments like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones.
There is no part of body that you cannot decorate with jewelry. From tiaras to toe rings, there is probably one or more piece of jewelry for every part of the body (even the ones you can't reveal to show off that piece of jewelry you bought last week). Countries have been looted, empires invaded, battles fought and people murdered over jewelry and the grandeur associated with it.
While a graceful piece of jewelry may add to a lady's elegance another sleek set may add to the sex appeal. It is as much part of a lady's persona as any of her physical appearance would be.
There are several reasons to wear jewelry. Some wear it to beautify their looks, some out of religious sentiments, some because of social norms, there could be many reasons. There are jewelries designed especially for astrological purpose. This jewelry, made of birthstones is said to bring luck and prosperity. Jewelry also becomes your luck charm. When you buy a wedding ring or any other wedding jewelry it becomes a token of love. Owning jewelry can also be a part of your social status.
Jewelry does not have to be expensive. You can get faux jewelry if you can't afford the authentic price tag. While most of the people buy jewelry that has been generically designed, you may get it designed exclusively for you and get it personalized to suit your style.
The importance of jewelry can be judged from the fact that it is passed on as inheritance from one generation to another until it becomes part of the legacy. Even when the kings and queens were buried in the past (like in the pyramids) jewelry was placed besides hem.
In the past kings, nobles, warriors, in fact all men wore jewelry. It used to be a symbol of social standing. It could be easily judged from the kind of jewelry a person adorned, as to what his status was in the society. People often decorate their pets with jewelry. In some Asian countries the pet cows, camels and elephants are beautified with jewelry, especially when taken out for procession.
Jewelry has unconsciously become an inseparable part of our psyche and culture. The people who denounce worldly pleasures may brand jewelry as a materialistic lust but the fact remains that people love jewelry.
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Samet Yahya Bilir is is a freelance writer who writes about shopping and product reviews topics such as cheap wedding and engagement diamond rings and cubic zirconia jewelry.
