Introduction
The human curiosity and interest in adornments and personal jewelry which is created through metals such as gold, silver, bronze, and sterling silver has a deep history that spans across centuries in every culture present on Earth. In today’s times, the gemstone jewelry, or even jewelry in general, that you see in most chain stores is mass-produced and worn casually on a day-to-day basis. However, thousands of years ago, the use of personal jewelry had a different meaning. By diving deeper into the uses of personal jewelry, one can know why this jewelry was made and how was this jewelry manufactured.
Also, as we track and trace the history of jewelry and jewelry manufacturing, we discover so much about ourselves and how we build ourselves. Our superstitions, fears, and myths are all woven into the development of adornments and little trinkets of jewelry which were adorned and carried as a symbol of wealth, hope, and passion. Through this article, we will attempt to walk you through the history of jewelry manufacturing. So, without further ado, let us begin the article.
When Did Jewellery First Appear in the History of Mankind?
The two most ancient archaeological findings are the presence of fossils and jewelry that mankind has made. To date, the oldest jewelry that is found is a collection of beads made from shells, which are estimated to be 100,000 years old. These beads were found near the base of Mount Carmel which is situated in Israel.
If you talk with reference to all around the world, for a long time, pierced shells were found in caves in South Africa, and they were thought to be the oldest jewelry mankind would have worn. But later, through the help of archaeological findings from Morocco and Algeria, jewelry that was approximately 90,000 years old was found, and finally, Mount Carmel slope finds were dated to be even older than 90,000 years.
What Was Discovered Regarding the Earliest Jewelry Used?
Archaeologists have found that from time immemorial, man has adorned himself with animal bones, grasses, shells, and feathers. When we speak about shells, we are not saying just seashells, rather, we are also referring to shells of bird eggs, including ostrich eggs.
The recent discoveries made by science indicate that Neanderthals died out around 40,000 years ago. Before they died, early humans moved to Europe, and it is speculated that these early humans might have taught Neanderthals how to make pendants out of bear teeth.
It has been found that pieces of jewelry made of shells and stones existed from prehistoric times, and items made from mammoth tusks are even found at many locations in Russia.
The History of Jewelry Manufacturing
As you would have expected, the history of jewelry manufacturing dates back to thousands of years, with the earliest jewelry being manufactured in the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia, Egypt. Similar to today’s times, jewelry has held a significant place in our human society, and it has served as a symbol of status, wealth, and personal adornment.
The civilizations that lived in the past were skilled at crafting exquisite jewelry pieces using a variety of different materials. Precious gemstones, silver, bronze, and gold were among the most common materials which were used due to their rarity and beauty. Also, jewelry had many different purposes; for instance, in Egypt, jewelry was not just used for aesthetic purposes, rather it was believed that it had magical and protective properties as well.
The jewelry manufacturing styles and techniques evolved over time, and these changes reflected the influence of different historical periods and cultures. Romans developed brand-new metalworking techniques like filigree, granulation, and enameling, while the ancient Greeks began introducing the use of colored gemstones and intricate designs.
In the Middle Ages, jewelry manufacturing reached greater heights, with skilled craftsmen, goldsmiths, and artisans creating beautiful elaborate pieces of jewelry for the nobility and royalty. The Renaissance and Gothic eras brought new trends, in which people wore brooches, pendants, and elaborate chains which were made of precious stones and pearls.
With the emergence of trade routes, and with an exploration of new lands in the Renaissance era, new designs of jewelry began entering the jewelry manufacturing industry, along with the incorporation of use of new materials. As new gemstones were discovered and things such as pearl, ivory, and coral were incorporated by jewelry makers, a wide array of different types of jewelry began circulating in the market which was made from things brought from distant lands.
Then, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution kicked in, which brought significant changes to the process of jewelry manufacturing. With the arrival of machinery which could ease the process of jewelry making and mass production techniques, jewelry became easily accessible to the middle class. During this time period, silver, which was much more affordable than gold, became increasingly popular.
During the early 20th century, multiple jewelry movements emerged, each having its unique philosophy as well as unique style. Art Deco began embracing bold colors and geometric shapes in these times, whereas Art Nouveau revolutionized jewelry design. Both these movements hugely impacted design aesthetics and brought over creative changes in jewelry manufacturing.
In today’s times, jewelry manufacturing is a global industry that is flourishing, reaching newer heights each day, and within this industry, various styles and techniques are being employed for making jewelry. Even though modern methods that use technology such as computer-aided design and 3D printing enable jewelers to create unique and intricate pieces in large numbers, still, these methods coexist with traditional handcrafting techniques.
The History of Rananjay Exports in the field of Gemstone Jewelry Manufacturing
As mentioned above, for centuries, jewelry has been a symbol of personal expression, status, and wealth. Using what has been discussed up until this point, we can conclude that humans have been fascinated with adorning themselves using beautiful jewelry – regardless of the time, civilization, or point in history. There is one name that stands out in the world of wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturing, and it is Rananjay Exports.
Rananjay Exports has been in the field of wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturing, and it is also a gemstone jewelry supplier since 2013. The jewelry manufacturing process at Rananjay Exports is a blend of modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. Our artisans possess years of experience when it comes to working with various gemstones and metals. Every piece of gemstone jewelry that we create is crafted with care, ensuring that our customers get only the jewelry of the highest standards.
We work with a large array of different gemstones, 250+ to be precise. All of these gemstones that are used at Rananjay Exports in making jewelry are ethically sourced and natural. From casting jewelry and custom jewelry to handmade jewelry and designer jewelry, we make all kinds of different jewelry. Our jewelry designs can range from contemporary to timeless and classic designs. Creating customized jewelry is one of our key strengths, and we have a dedicated team of artisans and designers for this task.
Conclusion
The rich history of jewelry manufacturing that mankind has seen is a perfect testament to cultural influences, human creativity, and technical advancements. It does not matter whether you talk about ancient civilization or the present day – the art of jewelry making continues to capture the imagination of billions of people. Individuals adorn this jewelry as treasured pieces that embody craftsmanship and beauty.
If you are planning to buy wholesale gemstone jewelry or wholesale sterling silver jewelry, head straight to Rananjay Exports since it has a history as a jewelry manufacturing company that is committed to excellence when it comes to creating jewelry.
