Origin of Jewelry

Events

Jewelry has been around since the dawn of mankind. It certainly didn’t look like the jewelry we wear today though! It was made of the natural items found in their environment, feathers, bones, shells, colored pebbles, etc. The earliest jewelry find is dated about 25,000 years ago and is a necklace made of fish bones found in a cave in Monaco.

Many types of jewelry still worn today began as functional items. Pins and brooches evolved from the clasps that held clothing together. Ring and pendants were used as seals and signs of identification, rank and authority. Later, jewelry came to symbolize human connection and commitment like wedding rings or signs of wealth and power.

Jewelry will continue to evolve as humans do. What story does your jewelry tell about you? Share your story and favorite piece of jewelry on Bridgewater’s Facebook page.