The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never failed to capture our attention. In fact, jewelry pieces have been objects that denote social status especially during ancient times. These precious objects have profoundly molded some of the most important traditions in history. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these jewelry pieces have provided humans with material satisfaction that no other objects could provide.
Fine jewelry pieces have different types and finishes. Some are utilized as personal ornamentation, while others stand as symbolic tokens given during special occasions. There are also articles of jewelry that are simple in design and inexpensive, while there are also pieces that are expensive due to the materials used to construct them. In order to further understand the types of jewelry, some of the most popular pieces are tackled below along with their qualities and functions. Rings are perhaps the most common articles of jewelry that almost all of us are familiar with. These jewelry pieces may come in the form of plain cylindrical bands as seen from wedding rings ornamented with precious stones like diamond heart setting, 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. In the case of signet rings, they commonly bear the emblems of fraternal orders or other organizational insignias.
Another popular type of jewelry is the necklace which is worn around the neck. Basically, there are four general forms of necklaces: close fitting collar band with stones or beads, chain necklace with a single pendant, row of beads that are usually graduated in size held by a wire or chain, and several chains or strings of differing lengths worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be made of different precious metals, gemstones, raw materials or a combination of these items, and are commonly used together with pendants that are made of precious stones; the most of popular of which is the diamond heart pendant. 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 pieces used for the ears that are either set on against the earlobes or are left dangling like pendants. The most favorite form of earrings set against the earlobe is the pair of pearls, while popular hanging drops are the ones referred to as chandelier earrings. Traditionally, the use of earrings requires ear piercings as the practice of wearing such jewelry was once regarded as a barbarous act. Currently, earrings can be worn either through piercing the ears or just by clipping the said jewelry.
The bracelet is another type of fine jewelry, worn on the arm. Such large piece of ring-like jewelry can be in the form of closed band, spiral coil, open on one side, closed with clasp as well as flexible rings formed as links. Other than the aforementioned pieces, there are other types of jewelry that one may encounter in the market including pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons to name a few. Generally, there are many jewelry pieces that vary in function, quality and design; it is already up to the individual what jewelry to use in accordance to his or her desired function.
Fine jewelry pieces are created to adorn nearly every part of the body. Necklaces with diamond heart pendants are used to accentuate the neck, bracelets are worn to highlight the arms, while rings and earrings are used as personal ornaments for the fingers and ears respectively. Although artistic display has been the main function of jewelry pieces, they have also been utilized for reasons like currency, protection, status, and symbolic tokens to name a few.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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