Jewellery

Jewellery refers to decorative items worn for personal adornment, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, and hair ornaments. It is typically crafted from precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum and may incorporate gemstones, pearls, beads, enamel, glass, or synthetic stones. Jewellery serves aesthetic, symbolic, and ceremonial purposes and has many styles across cultures and eras.

Materials and techniques: Common metals include gold, silver, and platinum; alloys and alternative metals are also used. Stones include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and cultured pearls. Techniques include casting, forging, soldering, and setting (prong, bezel, pavé); engraving, enamelling, and filigree are used as well. Production ranges from workshops to mass manufacture; modern jewellery often uses computer-aided design and 3D printing. Ethical concerns include sourcing, with emphasis on conflict-free diamonds, fair-trade gold, and traceable supply chains.

History and cultural significance: Jewellery has ancient roots in Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China, later spreading to Greece and Rome. In medieval and Renaissance Europe it signified status and religious meaning. The 18th and 19th centuries brought elaborate court styles; the 20th century saw modernist, minimalist, and designer trends. Cultures differ in forms and meanings, from wedding bands to talismans.

Care and maintenance: Jewellery requires care to preserve its appearance. Cleaning methods vary by material; diamonds and hard gemstones can be cleaned with mild soap and a soft brush, while pearls and opals require gentler handling. Store items separately to avoid scratches and protect from chemicals and humidity. Regular inspection of settings helps prevent loss.