People have been wearing jewellery for thousands of years. The oldest jewellery found is 75,000 year old beads made from shells. Jewellery is still as popular as it has ever been. This article will discuss the history of jewellery, with a particular focus on charms and bracelets.

The First Jewellery

The oldest jewellery came from people in Africa. 75,000 year old beads were discovered, made from snail shells. Other early African jewellery includes beads made from ostrich shell.

Early Europeans wore necklace pendants made from teeth, bone and wore hung on an animal sinew. A mammoth tooth pendant was found in Southern Russia.

Ancient Egypt

The Ancient Egyptians were well known to make beautiful lavish bead bracelets with charms. Around 3,500 to 5,000 years ago jewellery was a sign of wealth and religious power amongst the Egyptians. Jewellery was also worn by the Egyptians in death, with being a common piece to a grave. Gold and silver jewellery was the most popular type; however, coloured glass was also popular. A beaded charm bracelet with coloured glass had symbolic meaning. A bracelet with green glass charms was a symbol of fertility.

Ancient Greece

The Greeks used charms and bracelets to protect themselves from evil spirits. They also wore jewellery for special occasions and as a dedication to a God.

Ancient Romans

Ancient Romans were known for their show gold and silver jewellery. Brooches originated from Rome and it is possible to see similar designs in brooches Australia. The Roman Empire enabled Rome to import different materials for making jewellery. This includes Sri Lankan Sapphires, Indian Diamonds and fossilised wood from England. Roman men usually wore a ring with an engraved gemstone spinel. This engraved gemstone spinel was dipped in wax and used to seal documents.

Modern Jewellery

Jewellery hasn’t changed much over the years. Gold and silver jewellery is much the same. Designs are slightly different. Some of the modern charms use contemporary and chic designs. An example of a modern silver jewellery design is liquid silver. What is liquid silver I hear you say? It is silver jewellery that is inspired by the movement of water.

Bead Bracelets with Charms

Early bracelets and charms were used to ward off evil spirits. Usually they were in the form of a something religious, for example, during the Roman Empire, Christians wore small fish to identify themselves to other Christians.

The modern European charms and bracelets are very popular. The European charms for charm bracelets are normally made from gold, silver or Murano glass and are interchangeable to suit the wearer’s need. There is a wide range of prices for these bracelets and charms, depending on what materials you want. Normally the diamond and sapphire jewellery charms are the most expensive.

Summary

This article has covered the history of bracelets and charms. It has discussed jewellery throughout the ages: jewellery from 75,000 years ago to the modern liquid silver. I hope this article has been of interest.