Jewellery or jewelry as we say now, is derived from the word jewel from the Old French "jouel'' and prior to that from the Latin word "jocale" meaning plaything.
One of the oldest types of archaeological artifacts is in fact, jewelry! Since before history was even ever recorded, gemstones and jewelry has been a part of mankind. The oldest finding of jewelry has been dated to approximately 25,000 years ago. These pieces were fashioned from bones, stones and shells and were not created by human i.e. Homo Sapiens but by Neandrathals living in the area we now call Europe. Bones derived from the hunt were thought to bring prosperity for future hunts and to display the hunter's prowess.
In early societies jewelry was thought to have magical properties and worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits and sickness. Jewelry was often fashioned into symbols thought to bring the wearer a command on fertility, wealth and/or love. One of the most ancient examples of jewelry was found in Sumer, specifically in Queen Pu-abi's tomb. This is the site of the earliest known civilization. Along with the Sumarians, the Mesopotamians were also known for jewelry. Their favorite shapes were leaves, spirals cones, and bunches of grapes. Jewelry was often used as offerings to the gods and used to adorn both statues and humans.
Arguably, the most recognizable of the ancient civilizations is the Egyptians. This society is one of the first to use jewelry to denote human connection and commitment. Slaves wore bracelets to show who they belonged to. Gemstones and gold were a symbol of wealth and power. Tutankhamun's tomb introduced the world to many pieces of jewelry that is typical of the ancient Egyptian aesthetic. These gold necklaces, cowls, headpieces, amulets, bracelets and earrings that were adorned with lapis and various gemstones, are crafted with extraordinary quality and refinement that has rarely been surpassed or matched to this day.
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A collection of ancient Egyptian jewelry in the British Museum, London.
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