Origin of Jewels + Photos

jew·el·ry: jewels; especially : objects of precious metal often set with gems and worn for personal adornment 

Brown Jade Earrings

 

 Man has been adorning itself with jewelry for centuries now. Currently we wear jewelry for aesthetic purposes, but the wearing of jewels did not quite start out that way. Jewelery initially was worn as symbols of wealth, power, authority, wards of evil, and victory in battle. Evidence of jewelry has been dated as far back as Cro-Magnon! The Cro-Magnon period was about 40,000 years ago! Jewels from that period were made from items found from the earth such as shell, bones, animal tusks, and even pearls. (I wonder if this could be the reason I love pearls! They are timeless!!)

This is a necklace that has been reconstructed of a period Cro-Magnon piece. (Information courtesy of http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/behavior/cro-magnon-shell-bead-necklace) 

After this period, jewelry making became more precise and both men and women wore jewelry. However in Egypt, jewelry was only worn by the very, very wealthy. During the time of the Greeks, men only wore jewelry has a means to hold up their clothes and/or rings on the fingers. Women began wearing jewelry for beauty and to ward off the evil eye.

During the Middle Ages, the Celts, the Merovingian, and the Byzantine set themselves apart with their jewelry making skills. The Celts focused on distinct patterns, the Merovingians focused on pearls, glass paste, bronze, and amber, while the Byzantine focused on gold leaf. Examples of each style can be seen below.

Celtic Tourque, Original Period Piece

 

Byzantine Jewelry

Merovingian Jewelry

The Renaissance period would bring gold and gemstones into the picture. The 18th Century would bring trends such as matching sets of jewels and jewelry worn during periods of mourning. The 18th Century also introduced Tiffany & Co., the world renowned diamond jeweler. 

Jewelry styles and trends continue to change and reform. One thing remains the same from period to period though....jewelry is still worn as a symbol of wealth and social status.

I hope you enjoyed this brief trip into history! I leave you with a few pieces that incorporate gemstones from the periods above.

Next I will be focusing on the jewels of Africa!

Evil Eye Jewelry

Pearl Earrings

Amber Necklace

 

Mushrooms and Fairies

It has been raining here in Southwest Louisiana for weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks...well, you get the picture. It has been so wet, some fairies have decided to camp out in our yard for a little while. As my husband is terrified of fairies, he mowed over their little village one Saturday afternoon! No worries, the fairies are a persistent bunch and immediately began new construction! A day later, and I am NOT exaggerating there!, exactly one day later, their village was up and running again!! Here is a sneak peek into their tiny little world!

I would include more, but the fairies caught me taking these pictures and threatened to hog tie me if I continued to disturb them! They are a feisty little bunch!!

So what creatures do you have lurking in your backyard??

Accountability & Success: Yeah Baby!! {weight loss plan}

Yeah baby!!! Some success!!! I am on a weight loss journey! I lost 2.5 pounds the 1st week and 1/2 a pound the 2nd week!! Have you gotten moving yet? I feel great! I did change up my plan a bit {click here Weight Wake Up Call to see the details of my initial weight loss/fitness program plan.} I AM writing down everything I put into my mouth. That is so hard!!! I have actually returned some foods to the pantry because I did not want that fatty food written down! Ha!! I AM also doing the 30 Day Shred video 4 days a week AND playing tennis 2 times a week. I am loving the tennis!! One day is an hour and the 2nd day is an hour and a half.

So what are your excuses? There have been some days {especially the 2nd week} that I haven't wanted to move or eat properly. Gotta keep chugging along though! Let's chat & motivate each other!! Happy shredding!!