Jewellery consists of ornaments like necklace, rings, earrings, bracelets, belts, cufflinks, pendants, chains, toe rings and other items made from silver, gold, platinum, titanium and other metals using pearls and gemstones. All these items are used to adorn different body parts. In early ages jewellery of stones, seashells and animal bones was used by people. People love to wear jewellery items and it has become an essential accessory of daily wear. The jewellery industry has now become one of the most profitable industries. There is an eclectic collection of famous jewellery designs with intricate and exotic styles available to choose from. Diamonds, crystals, pearls and other precious gemstones are used to make glamorous jewellery articles for men and women.

In art jewellery, design and creativity is prized above material value. A variety of materials both precious and non-precious are used in art jewellery. Nowadays people like to have jewellery that is unique and no one else has seen it before. They want to leave an everlasting impression on others through wearing stylish and wonderfully designed jewellery. With a great advancement in the jewellery industry, new and unique designs have been introduced to serve the requirements of customers.

Art deco era was the era of geometry which is also reflected in the jewellery of that period. The jewellery of that era was famous for using bold colors like black and white and geometrical shapes with strong use of symmetry. Some of the famous designers of art deco jewellery are; Boucheron, Cartier, Mauboussin and Tiffany & Co who have made exquisite articles of jewellery over the years. Rock crystals, pearls and corals were the most commonly used gemstones in Art Deco rings, earrings and bracelets.

Art Nouveau jewellery with innovative and striking designs was introduced at the end of the 19th century. The articles of Art Nouveau jewellery were representative of nature and a world of fantasy. The most common, beautiful and famous jewellery designs of Art Nouveau jewels consisted of women head with falling hair. These types of jewellery items were very feminine and dainty with ecstatic designs. Other exclusive designs of Art Nouveau necklaces, rings and other items include; soft curves, free flowing asymmetrical lines, butterflies, floral designs and patterns reflective of nature and women.

Historically, the first culture to make jewellery were the Chinese around 5000 years ago. Silver was more popular than gold and Jade was their favourite stone. The Chinese initially wore jewellery in order to display their wealth but later early tiara type pieces were worn by women to add to their beauty.

At the same time in Central and South America gold was much easier to find. Jewellery from this area was incredibly ornate however and included the combined use of gold with mother of pearl and amethyst inlayed. The Mayan civilization also used precious gems as a form of currency, whilst the Aztecs used jewellery and jewel-covered tools such as daggers during sacrifices.

Similar to the cross as worn by Christians, other religions have their popular symbols that are widely seen on necklaces and as pendants. Many Muslims wear the symbol of Allah and designs sometimes feature a ritual sword. Additionally, Judaism also has its typical designs such as the Star of David and the Hamesh Hand, a symbol that is traditionally believed to offer protection.

Body modification in some cultures uses jewellery. Inhabitants of Myanmar wear rings from an early age that stretch the neck over a long period of time. Whereas in the African tribes of the Mursi Lip plates are worn to stretch the bottom lip which is traditional before marriage.

Jewellery of the modern era takes on many forms. In the 20th Century artists and designers have used the medium in order to convey their ideas, whilst even pop culture movements such as Hip-Hop have adopted ‘Bling’ as a symbol of success and musical prowess.