Why is Jewelry Important?
Jewelry plays an important part in many aspects of our lives now and throughout our history. Adorning the body pre-dates written record and may have been part of our history since the very beginning. Why has humankind always incorporated jewelry into their lives?
- Love: Jewelry is a tangible reminder that someone loves us and is often used in courtship. This shows a prospective mate’s wealth as well as an expression of affection. Jewelry can be a physical reminder of family, friends, memories and shared experiences.
- Belonging: Jewelry is often used to show status or affiliation – to a person with engagement or wedding rings or to a group through a shared piece of jewelry. Pieces associated with our history or culture can continue that connection.
- Confidence and Empowerment: Who doesn’t feel like a million bucks when wearing your favorite jewelry? Jewelry has the power to boost our confidence and self-esteem.
- Protection: The oldest known jewelry dates back about 100,000 years and were made from shells, stone and bones. They may have been worn as protection, in the form of early amulets. Humans continue to wear amulets to ward off evil and as good luck charms.
- Status: Jewelry has been worn throughout history to show rank or status. The number of pieces and value of those pieces helped to communicate wealth and social status.
We bet if you think of the items in your jewelry box, you can connect them to these purposes and the journey down memory lane will be a reminder of how you came by each piece and the connection to your own life story. Jewelry is a powerful way to express your individuality and the things that have meaning for you.
Stop by Bridgewaters to find the perfect gift to show you love someone or your favorite new piece that brings you confidence. We would love to be a small part of your life story!