History of Handmade Jewellery

History of Handmade Jewellery

Handmade jewellery is made by bringing together different components that are assembled by the hand of mankind other than using machines. Even if at some point lathes and drills are used to make the jewellery, they have to be guided by the hands of humans. They are made by artists who use any kind of available material to come up with unique designs by using several techniques. Some of the materials used to make the jewellery include gemstones, special coated wires, beads or even threads. With the unique skills, the jewelries are crafted using wires wrapped on the gemstones.

History of handmade jewellery is traced back several thousands of years ago when jewelries were used by different cultures for different purposes. They provide several myths about how the ancient cultures functioned. This also includes the beautiful wire wrapped jewellery.

It is believed that the very first jewellery originated from the people in Africa. The materials used then included perforated beads that proved that shell jewellery made out of sea snails, dating 75,000 years ago at Blombos Cave, were very beautiful. In Kenya, at Enkapune Ya Muto, perforated ostrich egg shells were used to make numerous beads dating more than 40,000 years ago. In other parts of the world, there is evidence that the Cro-Magnons wore crude bracelets and necklaces made of bones, teeth, berries, mammoth tusks and stones.

The first sign of a copper jewellery was seen around 7000 years ago. Tremendous development on handmade jewellery include; Pair of Gold Hair Ornaments, Mesopotamian, circa 2000 BC in Greece, Gold earring from Mycenae, from the 16th century to the 20th century where there have been tremendous improvements on jewellery making worldwide. In the 21st century, most modern commercial jewellery continues traditional forms and styles, but designers have widened the concept of wearable art, bringing in the use of plastics, Precious Metal Clay, and colouring techniques.

Handcrafted jewellery has become very popular around the world. The current trends in handmade jewellery making involves unique necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and are all about size, volume, and edginess. They include; oversized cuffs, stacking rings, mixed metals, chandelier earrings, cuff earrings and cartilage jewelry, bright-chunky rings, glam chokers, statement necklaces, layering small pendants and charms as well as animal-themed jewellery. Therefore, you need to look for current trends in handmade jewellery making, especially the wire wrapped jewellery.