The Elegance of Antique Jewelry
The title should in fact be extended further than this: The Elegance of Symbol in Antique Jewelry.
Of all the properties, be it aesthetics or material value, that people, since the dawn of time, have invested in jewelry, the symbol of power is the most important.
Only very few could afford to be adorned with jewelry, so this extravagance is concentrated in upper classes of the civilizations we know. This can be documented from the finds in graves whether they date back to the Bronze Age (2.500 B.C.) or the Middle Ages. Rich graves are better preserved and gold, silver and gems better survive through centuries than leather, wood, textiles, bone, etc. which common people could afford.
All levels of classes are involved in producing jewelry, from the workers in the mines to the jewellers and goldsmiths. We find this to be true whether we talk about the Antiquity or the present.
But also poets, musicians, healers, astronomers, astrologers, painters and philosophers have illustrated the beauty and meaning of gems and jewelry and this narration of culture are shared by all members of society.
These different descriptions and approaches also share the immanent and common purpose that culture invests in meaning: to identify and legitimise power and class differences. Jewelry is always used to signal power, distance, control, prestige, status and place in hierarchy.
Most cultures combine different gems and metals with different level of status, hierarchy, medicine, stars, destiny and the likes.
Symbolic meaning and jewelry also associates power with the beauty, value and magic. Even if each culture intermix and exchange ideas, their cultural representation and different traditions, religion and way of control can be identified through the study of jewelry.
It is the elegance of this symbolic distribution throughout societies, which contribute to the maintenance of hierarchy as culture. As long as all members of a culture love songs and stories about the beauty and bliss of jewelry, they play a role in making symbolic meaning narrated in a meaningful way. Hereby binding together culture, history and hierarchy.
Mountains and gems, find perfection from transparency and beautiful colors. To them belongs the precious stones we so desire: carnelian, jasper, emerald and similar gems. There should be nothing and more beautiful than these". Plato, Phaedo c. 400 BC.
Plato (427- 347 BC) used precious stones in his dialogue Phaedo to illustrate the future paradise where the soul - freed from the body - exists without disfigurement or disease. He also used gems to illustrate the stars, animals and plants. He believed in his mentor Socrates, when making the use of images of flawless jasper, carnelian and emeralds to render notions of spiritual bliss.
Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) wrote about the power and effect of precious stones and similarly, Theophrastos (370 - 287 BC), a pupil of Aristotle, informed his readers that like Plato, he especially valued emeralds: Some of the stones, for example, jasper and lapis lazuli, are unusual in their appearance, but in addition to its beauty, the emerald most certainly possesses magical powers".
Antique Jewelry was invested with bliss or magical and healing powers and in the same time they signified status and place in hierarchy. The slave based and stratified societies in the Antique world surely used gold and gems to legitimise dominance, control and exploitation by elegantly referring to the aesthetics and poetic value of gems and workmanship as well as the magical powers embedded in the stones.
The nobles demonstrated status and wealth openly as if it were the most natural thing of the world. In his History of Asia and Europe (c. 130 BC), the Greek historian and geographer Agatharchides of Cnidos writes about the noble residents of Sheba and Gerrha: The furnishings of their houses were made of silver, gold, ivory and precious stones".
Historical jewelry is thus an interesting subject of study as it helps identifying different cultures and traditions.
The title should in fact be extended further than this: The Elegance of Symbol in Antique Jewelry.
Of all the properties, be it aesthetics or material value, that people, since the dawn of time, have invested in jewelry, the symbol of power is the most important.
Only very few could afford to be adorned with jewelry, so this extravagance is concentrated in upper classes of the civilizations we know. This can be documented from the finds in graves whether they date back to the Bronze Age (2.500 B.C.) or the Middle Ages. Rich graves are better preserved and gold, silver and gems better survive through centuries than leather, wood, textiles, bone, etc. which common people could afford.
All levels of classes are involved in producing jewelry, from the workers in the mines to the jewellers and goldsmiths. We find this to be true whether we talk about the Antiquity or the present.
But also poets, musicians, healers, astronomers, astrologers, painters and philosophers have illustrated the beauty and meaning of gems and jewelry and this narration of culture are shared by all members of society.
These different descriptions and approaches also share the immanent and common purpose that culture invests in meaning: to identify and legitimise power and class differences. Jewelry is always used to signal power, distance, control, prestige, status and place in hierarchy.
Most cultures combine different gems and metals with different level of status, hierarchy, medicine, stars, destiny and the likes.
Symbolic meaning and jewelry also associates power with the beauty, value and magic. Even if each culture intermix and exchange ideas, their cultural representation and different traditions, religion and way of control can be identified through the study of jewelry.
It is the elegance of this symbolic distribution throughout societies, which contribute to the maintenance of hierarchy as culture. As long as all members of a culture love songs and stories about the beauty and bliss of jewelry, they play a role in making symbolic meaning narrated in a meaningful way. Hereby binding together culture, history and hierarchy.
Mountains and gems, find perfection from transparency and beautiful colors. To them belongs the precious stones we so desire: carnelian, jasper, emerald and similar gems. There should be nothing and more beautiful than these". Plato, Phaedo c. 400 BC.
Plato (427- 347 BC) used precious stones in his dialogue Phaedo to illustrate the future paradise where the soul - freed from the body - exists without disfigurement or disease. He also used gems to illustrate the stars, animals and plants. He believed in his mentor Socrates, when making the use of images of flawless jasper, carnelian and emeralds to render notions of spiritual bliss.
Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) wrote about the power and effect of precious stones and similarly, Theophrastos (370 - 287 BC), a pupil of Aristotle, informed his readers that like Plato, he especially valued emeralds: Some of the stones, for example, jasper and lapis lazuli, are unusual in their appearance, but in addition to its beauty, the emerald most certainly possesses magical powers".
Antique Jewelry was invested with bliss or magical and healing powers and in the same time they signified status and place in hierarchy. The slave based and stratified societies in the Antique world surely used gold and gems to legitimise dominance, control and exploitation by elegantly referring to the aesthetics and poetic value of gems and workmanship as well as the magical powers embedded in the stones.
The nobles demonstrated status and wealth openly as if it were the most natural thing of the world. In his History of Asia and Europe (c. 130 BC), the Greek historian and geographer Agatharchides of Cnidos writes about the noble residents of Sheba and Gerrha: The furnishings of their houses were made of silver, gold, ivory and precious stones".
Historical jewelry is thus an interesting subject of study as it helps identifying different cultures and traditions.
Related Tags: jewelry, earrings, jewellery, egyptian jewelry, antique jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, brooches, historical jewellery, viking jewelry, russian jewelry
I webmaster of http://www.museumjewellery.com/default.asp?lang=uk. We deal in all types Jewellery, Historical Jewellery,Antique Jewelry, Antique Necklaces, Antique Pendants, Egyptian jewelry,Viking Jewelry,Russian jewelry,Celtic jewelry,French jewelry, Victorian Jewelry, African jewelry at very affordable price.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Propose Your Lady With Wonderful Diamond Engagement Ring
There are many occasions in our life which is very important for us and such moment is proposing. Pr - Closer Look At Rose Gold Engagement Rings
The Rose Gold jewelry has been in style for many years and firstly well known in Russia. The jewelry - Impregnated Diamond Core Bit
Scientists and engineers explore for mineral deposits (such as metals, gold, gemstone, diamond etc.) - Exclusive Art Deco Style Wedding Ring
Most couple definitely need to have all particular issues prepared for his or her marriage ceremony - Know How To Match Your Pearl Jewelry To Clothing And Skin Tone!
Knowing how to appropriately match pearl jewelry to your wardrobe and skin tone may not be easy beca - Precious Laboratory Grown Diamonds Against High-priced Natural Diamonds
Synthetic or man made diamond stones are the diamonds made by human. They're made by practiced scien - Four Leaf Clover
Four leaf clovers is a unique combination of the very common three leaved clover that is the usual n - Buy Silver Tiffany Bangles Online
Founded in 1837, Tiffany & co. has been renowned for its luxury goods, especially silver jewelry. Ti - Presentation - Julie Miville-dechene, Founder Of Bijoulie
Creative, original, adventurous, generous with a passion for life! That is the perfect way to introd - Discount Skagen Watches - Where To Get Great Prices
Are you looking for discount Skagen watches?It can be time consuming if you don't know where to look
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Moissanite Man Made Diamonds Deliver a Lifetime of Brilliance
Moissanite, born from a star that fell onto the earth and scattered beautiful sparkling rocks for mi - One Little Cabochon
So, you think you'd like to make your own cabochons? Well, I'm going to tell you what's involved in - Princess Diana's Engagement Ring: Her Jewelery Was Beautiful But Her Life Was Tragic in Many Ways
Who isn't fascinated by the gracious and beautiful Princess Di? Everything about her held an air of - Upgrading Your Diamond
As the De Beers advertising campaign states, "A Diamond is forever", that does not necessarily mean - How To Purchase Diamond As A Gift?
Gift the women of your life a dazzling white diamond and see the gleam on her face. Worth it. Isn't - Earrings: Balancing Style With Beauty
Geometric shapes are probably the current choice of working person that is getting an outlet in the - About Gold and Silver Jewelry
Fashion is said to be a whimsical thing. This statement can be fully applied to jewelry. Its appeara - Jewelry That Lets Your Personality Shine Through
Everyone knows that hippie chic is a style that is here to stay. From high fashion runways to the gi - Turquoise Jewelry Myth, Magic and Maintenance
Turquoise is a sacred stone "that has been used for centuries to adorn ritual objects and is still c - How To Find A Cheap Diamond Ring
A diamond is not cheap. That is the first thing that you should stick in your head before you sta