Cheap body jewelry
There are many elements that have existed ever since the origin of this planet, however mankind knows about very few of them. Earth and its composition is still a puzzle that has not been resolved completely but as years have gone by new inventions and discoveries have unveiled at least a few mysteries. So many chemicals or elements organic and non - organic although devoid of life together are an integral part of the life. They are the basis of ecosystem and life is impossible without them. Some elements may not have an important role to play in the life cycle but they certainly are not considered less important or neglected in any way. Certain specific rocks, pebbles, stones existing inside of the earths crust or outside are ceased and demanded by human beings.
Why certain elements are preferred over many others is an interesting question. The most common answer probably would be that certain elements are rare to find and attractive to eyes and hence considered valuable or precious. Gathering such colorful stones and showing them off to others in society may provide them a certain status or stand in the society they live in and people they mingle with. People love to adorn their bodies with the elements like gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and other colorful gems. This way they can highlight themselves and separate themselves from others. Anything that is pleasant to eyes is acceptable hence not just non living sources are enough but things like ivory and pearl obtained form animals are also widely popular due to their aesthetic quality. With limited sources and places existing on the planet where one can find these stones or rare elements the quest of acquiring them will never end. Men try to appease women or glorify themselves by making various other structures of art from these stones or elements or wearing ornaments made from them on their bodies. Its been ages since men and women around the globe have been wearing these rare elements or ornaments, designs made from them and enhancing their beauty. All the different types of these elements that are used to make ornaments are termed as JEWELRY.
The word jewelry is an extension of the word jewel, which was derived from an old French word "jouel" in 13th century. Further investigation hints to the Latin word "jocale", which means a plaything. During stone age jewelry were made from natural materials, such as pebbles, bone, animal teeth, shell, wood, and carved stone. Recently found 100,000 year-old Nassarius shells that were made into beads are thought to be the oldest known jewelry. The first proof of jewelry comes from the Cro-Magnons, ancestors of Homo sapiens, around 40,000 years ago. Around 7,000 years ago, the first signs of copper being used to make jewelry were seen. Necklaces and bracelets made from copper found on the fossils discovered prove this. The first ever proof of established jewellary making in Ancient Egypt was around 3,000-5,000 years ago. The huge crowns, necklaces, rings and bracelets and even the entire costumes made from gold were amongst the treasures discovered centuries later on the mummies. The tomb of Puabi, when discovered contained a numerous artifacts made of gold, silver, and semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli crowns embellished with gold, close-fitting collar necklaces, and jewel-headed pins, waist bands, anklets, etc.
This proves that ancient world had the custom of wearing jewelry all over the body. The jewelry during a major period of history was largely limited to the privileged group of wealthy ones in the society. In Assyria, men and women both wore extensive amounts of jewelry, including amulets, ankle bracelets, heavy multi strand necklaces, and cylinder seals. The Greeks started using gold and gems in jewelry in 1,400 BC, although beads shaped as shells and animals were produced widely much before this. In 300 BC, the Greeks had mastered making colored jewelry and using amethysts, pearls, emeralds many other precious stones and gems. The most common artifact from the beginning era of Rome was the brooch, which was used to secure and bind the clothing together. Approximately 2,000 years ago, they even imported Sri Lankan sapphires and Indian diamonds and used emeralds and amber in their jewelry. People in India also wore garlands and earrings or bracelets, anklets made from fresh fragrant flowers and leaves. The utensils were made form gold and silver and were considered auspicious and healthy to eat meals in it. Renaissance period and exploration both had very significant impact on the development of jewelry in Europe and other parts of the world. With the beginning of the 17th century, increasing exploration, traveling and trade lead to increased availability of a wide variety of gemstones and other precious elements along with the exposure to the art of other cultures.
The above mentioned facts go on to prove the importance of jewelry in the society. Also, the jewelry was not only made from rare metals but they were also made from the most common and inexpensive metals. Jewels were used to adorn the entire body. Today things have changed, we may not see people wearing jewelry to the extent people of ancient times used to wear but their importance and significance prevails. The rates of jewelry vary based on the type of metal used to make the jewel and the design made. Any jewel available in the market today has its making charges included in the final market rate of the jewelry piece. Making charges of the jewel usually are excluded from the actual cost of the metal or element the jewel is made from. While selling a jewel once purchased, the investment reimbursed is only of the current market value of the metal, making charges not included. With the cost of rare metals and elements rising high often, affording to buy a new jewelry every now and then is not possible unless one belongs to equally rare, top 0.1% economical strata of the population of the world.
Now-a-days jewelry can be worn on almost every part of the body. The technicalities of making jewelry from various precious metals like gold, silver, platinum are a form of science that needs to be studied and perfected with practice. This is because the risk and tact involved in the task is commendable. Jewelry making is truly an expert’s job. The Jewelry making is a technique that requires both craft and creativity. Involvement of science in Jewelry making also has a very significant role to play. What metal to be mixed in what proportion to make that perfect design and durable piece of Jewel is a technique? Making new designs to lure people is a professionals job. Jewelry designing is not anymore just a hobby, it is an art that can be learned and taken up as a profession. Modern jewelry has never been as diverse as it is in the present day.
The advent of new materials, such as plastics, Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and different coloring techniques, has led to increased variety in styles. Discovery of metals like platinum has brought introduced a new material in the world of Jewelry. Metals like copper, iron, brass, zinc, stainless steel have also gained huge importance as a separate entity from few years. Glass and crystals are also widely used in making jewelry. The rarity, expenditure and difficulty in searching for areas on the planet where gold, diamond, platinum and other precious stones can be found is one of the major reasons because of which people are looking at other alternatives for adorning themselves. There is every possibility in future that on any new material or element being invented the jewelry makers will not fail to explore that too. The possibility of making wonderful designs, choice in the colors and most importantly flexibility due to less risk involved with crystals and glass gives designers more options of experimentation and art. These are the few reasons that have earned popularity for cheap metals.
Jewelry made from these cheap metals is very affordable and also with various aesthetic options. The variety offered is unfathomable. Lot of youngsters these days wears jewelry or accessories as a fashion statement. They love to change their style and look every other day. Being able to afford jewelry made from expensive gold, silver, and diamonds is not possible for at least 99% of population in the world. Jewelry is worn all over the body. On fingers as rings, on nose as nose ring, on ear as ear ring, on toes as toe ring, on wrist as bracelet or on ankle as anklet, in hands as arm band or bangles, some cultures also wear jewelry on their hair, other than hair pins or hair chips, adorning a part of their forehead. Necklaces and broaches are not the only piece of jewel that is in demand. The youth of today pierce their belly button, ear lobes and even chin, eyebrows and tongue to highlight them or make a statement.
These accessories are considered a fashion statement in the contemporary world. With the options and choices in designs available of cheap metal jewelry and its cost within the budget they prefer to adorn themselves with the jewelry made from cheaper metals rather than the expensive gold, diamond and silver. With the change in style the jewelry and designs change and by buying the jewelry made from cheaper jewels it is possible for people to more options to choose from. These cheap body jewelry is so common that unlike the precious and rare metals jewelry that is available only in specific shops and kept in major security, this cheap jewelry is available in common markets and on streets by local street hawkers and vendors. The demand of cheap jewelry is huge and equally great its supply in terms of variety and innovation. Designs influenced from the latest fashion buzz and celebrities are launched in the local markets by the local vendors to appease the common man. This way it is possible for people to wear the same kind of design and jewel, although not made from the same metal but at least identical and at a affordable rate too. This way even common man is probably able to enjoy the same pleasure, look special and make himself or herself happy.
The cheap jewelry has ensured that the gap that existed between those who have more and those with less finances is bridged to a very large extent. The costly and exclusive jewelry is replaced by cheap and aesthetic jewels that are easily accessible to one and all. It is a fact that jewelry does not limit itself anymore to only the privileged group of the society. It has a bigger and fairer scope in contemporary world.
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