Jewellery has been adorning human beings for centuries, reflecting personal style, signifying social status and sometimes even serving as talismans. The world of jewellery is fascinating and filled with unique facts that might amaze you. At Sophie Harley, we have a deep appreciation for the art of jewellery-making and its rich history. In this post, we delve into some intriguing facts about jewellery that will add to your understanding of this beautiful craft.
Whether you are a jewellery enthusiast or someone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship behind each piece, these fun facts are sure to pique your interest. You will discover stories from history, interesting trivia about precious gems and metals, as well as insights into the world of luxury handmade jewellery.
The History of Jewellery
Jewellery has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. It was not only worn for decoration but also held religious and cultural significance in many societies.
The earliest known jewellery pieces were made from natural materials like shells, bones and stones around 100,000 years ago. These were used as symbols of power or spirituality rather than adornments.
The use of metals in jewellery dates back to ancient times. During the Bronze Age (around 2500 BC), people started using gold due to its malleability and beautiful sheen. They would hammer it into thin sheets or wires to create intricate designs.
Diamonds were first discovered in India over 2,000 years ago; however they were not used in engagement rings until the 15th century when Archduke Maximilian proposed with a diamond ring to Mary Of Burgundy.
Precious Metals & Gems
Gold is one of the most loved metals used in making fine jewellery due its lustrous shine and durability. However, did you know that gold is also one of the most malleable metals? A single ounce of gold can be stretched into a wire that is five miles long or beaten into a sheet so thin it becomes transparent!
Diamonds, known for their exceptional hardness and brilliant sparkle, are considered the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. However, they were not always the stone of choice for engagement rings. Before diamonds became popular in the late 19th century, coloured gemstones such as sapphires and rubies were often used in engagement rings.
The pearl is another gemstone with an interesting history. Unlike other gems that must be mined from the earth, pearls are produced by living creatures – oysters. The process starts when an irritant becomes lodged inside an oyster's shell; to protect itself, the oyster coats this irritant with layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl), eventually creating a pearl.
Luxury Handmade Jewellery
Handmade jewellery holds a special charm because each piece is unique and crafted with great care and attention to detail. The creation process can take anywhere from hours to weeks depending on the complexity of the design.
At Sophie Harley, every piece of jewellery we create is made by hand using traditional techniques. Our skilled artisans meticulously shape precious metals and set exquisite gemstones to bring our designs to life.
Handmade jewellery often has personal significance for both the creator and wearer since it's crafted with intentionality and purpose. It’s more than just adornment; it's a small work of art that carries meaning.
Conclusion
Jewellery has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as symbols of status, tokens of love or talismans against harm. Its rich history intertwined with fascinating facts about its materials like gold, diamonds or pearls makes it even more intriguing.
We invite you to browse our range at Sophie Harley where each piece tells its own story – intricately handcrafted and imbued with meaning. Whether you are looking for a special gift or a piece to add to your own collection, our luxury handmade jewellery offers something truly unique for every taste.
