Jewelry is a personal accessory that can tell the world a lot about your beliefs, personality and style. Extroverted people like to wear big and brightly colored pieces as they want to give a good summary of their personality to the people they meet at the first impression. While people with a more minimalistic lifestyle prefer to keep their jewelry pieces small and simple so that they can match them with the clothes they usually wear.
Throughout the years, many jewelry styles have evolved. The styles are often influenced by changes in culture, society and politics. Some are more functional than others, and some are designed to be a status symbol. These factors have led to the evolution of new shapes and materials, as well as changes in production methods. These changes have led to jewellery becoming more widely available and affordable to the general public.
A piece of jewellery is a personal accessory that can be worn on the body to enhance a person’s look. It is also an important part of many cultures. Some pieces of jewellery are symbolic of faith or status, such as the cross or Star of David, and can be used to mark a specific occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary. Jewelry is generally made of precious metals or gemstones, and may be decorated with engravings or enamel.
The most common types of jewelry are rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. They can be made from gold, silver, gemstones, crystals and other materials. Jewellery can be crafted by hand or machine. It can be made into almost any shape, size and colour. Some jewellery is also made from glass, textiles and wood. In the past, certain pieces of jewelry were reserved for royalty or high-ranking officials.
Today, the fashion industry is increasingly accepting of gender-neutral clothing and accessories, and jewellery is no exception. Some brands, such as Yoj, create unisex collections that feature both delicate and rugged designs. Others, such as mother-daughter duo Brinker and Eliza Higgins, use their knowledge of metalsmithing and fashion merchandising to create fanciful jewellery with fair pricing.
Other brands are pushing the boundaries of jewellery with avant-garde designs and unisex styles. Alexander McQueen’s skull jewellery is gothic and romantic, while Charlotte Macaulay’s locket chains offer a refined approach to heirloom jewellery. For men, London’s Serge DeNimes is a GQ editor favourite, with sleek silver chain necklaces and signet rings. For a truly bespoke option, Brooklyn-based brand Mateo offers hand-carved and cast bronze rings and pendants. Their sculptural, organic shapes are inspired by curves and lines found in nature, making them bold and luxe.
