What is Jewelry?

Jewelry Basics
From Custom Jewelry to Beaded Jewelry and Fashion to Handmade

Jewelry has traditionally been used as a form of personal expression and body decoration, but it is also used as a form of religious expression. Different cultures have different meanings for their jewelry. When you are choosing jewelry, you may first wish to determine if you want modern or ethnic/tribal styles. Either style can be a lovely addition to your wardrobe, but in order to fully appreciate what you are selecting and what style you are seeking it is a good ideal to understand the different types.

Ethnic or Tribal

Ethnic pieces tend to be unique and interesting with an almost rustic quality in some cases as is often the feel of handmade jewelry. Ethnic pieces are often culturally grounded and as their popularity grows, awareness of that particular culture grows as well. Many ethnic pieces are handcrafted jewelry.

Native American/Indian

Indian jewelry differs a little, but the materials are usually quite consistent. Indian jewelry uses silver, turquoise, beads, gemstones, copper, and other materials. Native American jewelry generally falls into one of two categories: metalwork and beadwork. When silversmithing was introduced to the Native Americans by the Spanish in the 1800’s, their metalwork was transformed to a more sophisticated art. Once somewhat crude, though beautiful pieces, evolved into more intricate, detailed pieces. Native beadwork was quite advanced very early on with coral, shell and turquoise beads, which were finely ground to create lovely heishi necklaces. Though Indian jewelry and the handcrafted jewelry are still very popular, Indian artists now tend to choose imported Czech glass beads for their creations.

Tibetan

Tibetan jewelry has long been believed to bring its wearer closer to the gods. It was also used as an amulet to protect the wearer from harm. Popular materials and gemstones for this type of handmade jewelry are often coral, turquoise and Tibetan silver. Tibetan handcrafted jewelry is usually comprised of fine, detailed etchings and symbols that are accented with colorful gemstones. In a land where jewelry making is an art form as well as a religious expression, it is the flashier, more decorative style of handcrafted jewelry.

Bohemian

This free-spirited, artistic jewelry is usually very colorful and very creative. It can feature gemstones that form intricate flowers and butterflies or large, chunky beads that form a colorful, fun piece. This type of handcrafted jewelry is often intricately beaded or crafted into beautiful pieces that look more like that belong in an art gallery than worn as a body decoration. When considering bohemian pieces, think Moroccan, gypsy and hippie as these influences are very evident in the elaborate styling of each piece.

Christian jewelry

Christian jewelry is rich in the Christian religious beliefs and displays such. Christian jewelry dates back for centuries but has recently regained popularity with silver charms featuring the fish and phrases such as “What would Jesus do?” Christian jewelry is now sold not only in Christian stores, but in mass merchandiser stores as well. This type of jewelry can be rustic silver and leather or intricate crosses with gemstones and crystals. This type of jewelry offers its wearer a refreshing versatility.

Jewelry making as well as jewelry wearing has been an art form and a form of personal expression for centuries. There are many other types of jewelry and handmade jewelry can be found in abundance in many cultures. Knowing your particular style or what styles you like can help make your jewelry shopping much easier. Whether you want a modern look or ethnic one, a free spirited Bohemian handmade jewelry or the refined look of Tibetan, wear the styles that appeal to you and make you feel beautiful.