Fashion & Cosmetics, Jewelry - The Symbol Of Status And Wealth
With the growing influx of designer or art jewelry, people not only love to wear it but also don`t mind spending lavishly on it. Such designs are made with coins, gemstones, precious stones, etc. and they are set into precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, or white gold. These days most of the gold jewelry is made of an alloy of gold, stating its purity in karat by displaying a number followed by K.
American gold jewelry are of 10 K which is 41.7% gold. Higher purity levels are 22K which is 91.6 % pure and 24K which is 99.9% pure and these levels are used in Asia, Middle East and Africa. For silver jewelry, silver sterling or 92.5% fine silver is used. Besides, the low-priced jewelry is also available. Such jewelries are made with glass, semiprecious stones, wood, shells, bone, ivory, etc. Beads, made of glass, gemstones, metals, clay, polymer clay and wood, are also used to make bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.
Among the precious stones, diamonds are said to be the best friends of women. There are other gemstones also like amethyst, ruby, emerald, etc. These gemstones are set into gold, silver and platinum with different techniques to get different finishing such as high-polished or matt. Brushed finishing gives jewelry a soft look, while hammered finishing gives a wavy texture.
Jewelry posed different significance for different cultures. Like in Rome, people with certain ranks were allowed to wear rings. In other case, during 19th and 20th centuries, wearing of earrings by men was considered effeminate. According to recent culture, piercing of body and wearing rings there has become a symbol of courage, while other cultures are against it. Wearing of jewelry has got religious importance too. According to Hinduism, married women should wear necklace of golden and black beads, whereas in Islam, men should wear gold.
The history of jewelry dates back to thousands of years. The first signs of jewelry were found, 40,000 years back, in Cro-Magnons who originated from Middle East and migrated to Europe. They used to make jewelry with bones, teeth, stone hung etc. Copper jewelry traces back to 7000 years. In ancient Egypt, jewelry making is 3000- 5000 years old. They preferred gold to other materials and used colored glass in place of gems. Then the signs of jewelry found in other places too like Mesopotamia, Greece, Italy, India, and China and all over.
The trend of modern jewelry started in 1940s at the end of World War II. George Jensen and other designers propogated the idea of wearable jewelry using different materials like Precious Metal Clay, plastics, semi precious stones, and coloring techniques. Artisans also played important role in setting trends in jewelry. Now the jewelry designing has become a source of money and to satisfy the passion of art.
According to recent studies, American market holds the largest place with a market share of 30.8%, Japan, India and China and the Middle East each with 8 - 9% and finally Italy with 5%. Also it is predicted that there will be dramatic change in the statistics of market share by 2015, having India and China in the topmost position.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/joias.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br
Related Tags: gold, jewelry, ring, necklace, jewellery, bracelet
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Prada Sunglasses: Your Reasons To Choose One!
Prada sunglasses are the most fashionable range of eyewear today. Prada, the brand, has been widely - Put Your Best Face Forward With Some Help From Becca Cosmetics
While there's absolutely nothing wrong with going without makeup - in fact, some women look better w - Keep An Eye On The Time With A Versatile New Sport Watch
If you play sports or work out, you should consider purchasing a sport-infused timepiece. Keep readi - How To Shop For Sports Watches
Are you confused on where to go to purchase a sports watch? You are not the only one with this probl - Getting The Best Deals On Your Sports Watches
If you are physically active and involved in sports on a regular basis, you are probably looking to - Why You Should Opt For Slimline Vibrators
If you are looking for an arousing experience, quality vibrators can surely come in handy and if you - Moda Sunglasses: Add To Your Style
Moda Sunglasses are your ultimate option to enhance your physical get up. Don it up and see how thin - Henna Can Give Different Hair Shades
Henna is one of the most commonly used natural ingredients for dyeing hair. It is a very famous hair - Silk Scarf: Strategy To Make You Fabulous
Each woman need to own about a half dozen scarves to select from. However doesn't always keep these - Know About Home Made Hair Care Recipes
Most of us spend hundred of dollars on buying synthetic hair products to improve and style our hair.
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Domestic Goddess Aprons
Become a domestic goddess, or look like one in a Jesse Steele vintage style domestic goddess aprons - Finding Wholesale Nike Air Jordan Shoes
In the mid 1980s the Nike shoe company came out with several new shoe designs, most particularly cre - Printed Pictures Beautify Some Type Of Tote Bags
It is very noticeable that many women who are strolling in malls, workplaces, colleges and the like - A Review of Estee Lauder Cosmetics
You have to take care of your appearance because you only have one. That is unless you're some sort - Plus Size Bras Give You All The Support You Need And A Flattering Shape!
You have to choose a bra that fits correctly. It should provide your bust a flattering shape and th - Women's Sleepwear Speaks About Fashion Statement
Women's sleep wear are also called nightdress, nightclothes, or nightwear. It is a clothing created - Do You Know Where The Purse Comes From?
The birth of purses dates very far back. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics illustrate pouches that wer - Why Women Love Handbags!
Most women absolutely love handbags - something which is a bit of a mystery to men! Some women spen - Underarmor Gear - What is Under Armor All About?
Under Armor is a brand name of clothing that is the ultimate in protection for the skin. It is made - Boots Made for Walking - What to Look for in Military Boots
While combat boots have become a favorite foot accessory in today's ever evolving fashion trends, th