Women And Jewelry: The Relation Between Women And Fine Jewelry Pieces

by Lorraine Jacobs

Fine jewelry has been an important staple throughout history. Since the ancient times humans have been inclined to wear jewelry pieces to adorn their bodies. Starting from the old stone age approximately 25,000 years ago, both men and women collected different kinds of items, drilled holes in them and wore them for varying reasons. But, women are undeniably more inclined to use jewelry than men due to the many purposes that these items serve.

In a recent survey done by a lifestyle magazine, it has been found out that 95 out of 100 surveyed women spends more time shopping for fine jewelry pieces than any other items. This study, though not extensive, profoundly speaks of how much women admire jewelry. Probably by now you are asking: "what is it with jewelry that women really love?- Accordingly, many women appreciate jewelry for a variety of reasons.

To start with, jewelry of all kinds is a crucial additive that intensify the underlying concept of dressing and artistic display. They are regarded as essential components of fashion and style due to their ability to improve the appearance of wardrobes that women often wear. Hair dresses that are accentuated with loose diamonds and other gemstones could make the hair appear more glamorous; brooches and pins could instantly transform a dull looking uniform into a more fashion-forward outfit. Jewelry pieces worn on different parts of the body such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces create a focal point that hides aesthetic flaws of women.

Aside from the purpose of accessorizing, articles of jewelry also serve the purpose of defining a female's social status within the society. During the ancient times, many cultures used jewelry pieces as determinants of the positions that women hold in their communities--the slaves wore beaded articles of jewelry, while elite women made use of metallic jewelry pieces embellished with precious stones like loose diamonds. Even though this purpose of diamonds is still evident today, with rich and famous people using jewelry to define their social positions, it is not as extensive as that from the past.

Items of fine jewelry are also revered by women for their rich symbolism as well as spiritual and health value. Women from India have long been using the "tika- which looks like a chandelier earring that is hooked at the hair end with the pendant at the exact center of the forehead to represent spiritual preservation. The nose ring is closely related to heightened sexual reflexes, while necklaces, since they are closely worn to the heart, are helpful in working on emotions, attracting or strengthening love. Charm bracelets are often worn for their ability to hold luck, while bangles symbolize creativity and the sun's energy that could be transferred to their wearers. All kinds of gemstones are also appreciated for their health benefits like diamonds that are said to induce clarity and jade to promote relaxation among others.

Of course, jewelry pieces tell a whole range of stories which is why women value them so much. They communicate tales of love, friendship, celebration, welcoming and personal epiphany. They speak of relationships with spouses and better halves as seen from the use of wedding and engagement rings embellished with round brilliant cut diamonds; friendships through the token of friendship rings and bands as well as families with the use of heirlooms that are bequeathed from one family member to the other. Overall, jewelry whether big or small, cheap or expensive tells something about the characters of women that sometimes words could not define.

Fine jewelry pieces have long been adored by women because of the many purposes they hold. Loose diamonds for instance that have round brilliant cut are often used to accentuate wedding and engagement rings used to encompass undying love and devotion. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings are worn for artistic display as well as to improve the appearance of clothes, improve health and define social status among others.

Published August 11th, 2010

Filed in Women