2. The earliest known pieces of jewellery
are two small marine shells that were
pierced to form a necklace or pendant
The discovery of metallurgy and the
increased knowledge jewellery making
skills led to the formation of different
styles of jewellery in Egypt and
Mesopotamia
When gold arrived thousands of years
later it brought with it an even greater
variation on design
ANCIENT
WORLD
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3. During the Middle Ages Christian
monasteries were responsible for the
production of the majority of jewellery
During the Medieval period, jewellery
symbolized your social status and
society became intensely hierarchal
Copper or Pewter represented the lower
ranks whereas the wealthier society
wore gold, silver and precious
gemstones
MEDIEVAL
JEWELLERY
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4. This period was known for the rapid expansion
of knowledge, technology, arts and science
The jewellery represented this magnificence
and enamel became more colorful and vibrant
Glitter also became more common in
gemstones due to advancements in cutting
techniques
The jewellery was influenced by a rediscovery
in the classical world with mythological
scenes becoming a common theme
RENAISSANCE
JEWELLERY
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5. There were two significant changes in
jewellery during this era:
Improved cutting of gemstones
Flowers became more popular and led to the
adoption of floral motifs
Ornamental designs such as ribbons, knots
and rococo scrolls became more familiar
These designs were created in gold jewellery,
with coloured enamel and later diamonds
being incorporated into the patterns
17TH
CENTURY
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6. Large imports of Brazilian diamonds were
imported into Europe during this era
Many jewellery designs were created to
showcase these precious diamonds
Designs became lighter to make the
gemstones appear to be floating seamlessly
with the metal hidden as much as possible
Few diamond jewellery pieces survived this
period as many owners exchanged their
diamonds for the next current trend
18TH
CENTURY
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7. With the industrial revolution the status of
jewellery changed, enabling middle classes to
purchase at a reasonable price
Imitation stones were used and a gold-plating
technique was developed with metal alloy
which was used in place of gold and silver
Inspiration for jewellery designs came from
Greece and Rome
Interest in the trend botany became more
popular and led to the adoption of naturalistic
motifs
Elaborate jewellery was worn almost
exclusively by women
19TH
CENTURY
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8. William Morris founded the Arts and Crafts
movement in the 19th century
It focused on the execution of beautiful
designs by skilled artisans over the over-
mechanized systems brought forward during
the industrial revolution
Stones were selected for their appearance
and colour rather than monetary value
Curved and figurative pieces became popular
and these styles often had a symbolic
meaning
ARTS &
CRAFTS
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9. This style symbolized a reaction to the
imitation of classical jewellery
These jewelers distanced themselves from
floral motifs and precious stones using
symbolic and decorative motifs instead
Materials were not judged on their monetary
value, instead their ability render a design or
carry out a desired effect
This radical departure in jewellery design
wasn’t fully embraced
ART
NOUVEAU
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10. This period began in 1920 and continued until
1950 and still appears to the present day
This style gained inspiration from other
modernist styles for that period such as
Bauhaus, Cubism and Futurism
Art Deco is easily recognisable with bold,
contrasting colours and clean lines.
Gemstones were also mixed with black onyx
for a striking effect
ART DECO
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11. New technologies were adopted and
non-precious materials such as
paper, plastics and textiles were
incorporated into the designs
Artists continue to push the
boundaries of jewellery and many
pieces are still viewed as wearable
art
MODERN
JEWELLERY
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12. If you are interested in the history and heritage of jewellery and
art, visit one of our auctions!
Our auction calendars are available to view here
For more information:
Call: 01865 241 358
Visit: www.mallams.co.uk
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