Standard Articles Of Fine Jewelry
The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never ceased to amaze us. As a matter of fact, jewelry pieces are sometimes perceived as the determining factor of societal status especially during the ancient times. These pieces have played significant roles in shaping some of the most important traditions we know of. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these articles have long provided humans with personal satisfaction that no other objects could provide.
There are many types of fine jewelry pieces to choose from. Some are utilized as personal ornamentation, while others stand as symbolic tokens given during special occasions. There are also pieces that are inexpensive and simple in finish, while other articles are very expensive and made from the finest materials. Some of the most popular and commonly used pieces would be discussed here to provide further understanding about their qualities and uses. Rings are perhaps the most common forms of ornamental jewelry. They usually come in differing varieties, the most common of which are in plain cylindrical bands adorned with gemstones like diamond heart or round cuts, spiral or serpentine coils, signet rings, and open on one side. Rings have different functions but they are commonly used as symbolic tokens during engagements and weddings or just to accentuate the fingers. As for signet rings, these hoops are customized to carry the emblems of fraternal orders or insignias of some organizations and are worn by the members of such organizations.
Another popular type of jewelry is the necklace which is worn around the neck. Generally, necklaces come in four different forms: close fitting collar band decorated with precious stones or beads, chain necklace with a pendant, raw of beads in graduating sizes set in a wire or chain, and strings of different lengths of necklaces worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be constructed from different materials that include metals, gemstones or combination of the two, and they are best worn with pendants of precious stones, the diamond heart pendant being one of the most popular design. Necklaces are worn best with open neck style dresses as the low neckline of the dress would direct the visual of attention of people towards the neck.
Meanwhile, earrings are jewelry for the ears that can either be set on against the ear lobes or hanging drops like pendants. One of the most usual forms of earrings set on the earlobes are large pearls, while popular hanging earrings are chandeliers and hoops. Traditionally, it is a requisite to have the ears pierced when wearing earrings as this practice was once considered a barbaric act. Currently, earrings can be worn either through piercing the ears or just by clipping the said jewelry.
Another form of fine jewelry usually designated on the arm is the bracelet. This piece can be in the form of closed band, spiral coils, open on one side, closed with clasps or flexible rings made from several links. Other than the outlined pieces, there are still many more jewelry pieces found in the market such as pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons. Overall, jewelry pieces comes in differing quality, sizes, design, price as well as functions; it is up to the owner where and when he or she intend to use these precious materials to gain satisfaction.
In creating fine jewelry articles, metals, gemstones, coins as well as other materials are utilized though they are commonly set into precious metals, accentuated with gemstones like diamond heart. Aside from their ornamental purpose, jewelry pieces have long been used throughout history as symbolic tokens given during occasions especially during weddings and betrothals. They were also used to denote power and status in many societies.
Published July 25th, 2010
Filed in Women
