"Mademoiselle Virginia, modesty adorns the girl." - "Well, yes. This is when there are no other decorations." ("Search a woman").
Jewelry as an art
Costume jewelery has now become very popular. It is worn even more often than jewelry made of precious metals, which undoubtedly have much greater value. But today, the image and the jewelry correctly selected for this image is much more important than how truly gold your earrings are. In this article, we consider the lexical meaning of the word jewelry, its history and features of the choice of such jewelry.
What is jewelry?
The meaning of the word is "jewelry made of base metal." This term is derived from the French word bijouterie (decoration). In Russian-speaking countries, it means a product precisely from materials that do not have special value and are inexpensive. In many languages, to indicate that the product is not precious, one more is added to the word “jewelry”. In English, fake jewelry is costume jewelery, and real expensive jewelry is fine jewelery. Therefore, seeing the phrase "costume jewelry", do not take it literally. In fact, there are no such varieties of jewelry.
In reality, there are only 3 of its species, and we will discuss each of them in more detail today. In the meantime, having examined the meaning of the word “jewelry”, let us move on to which particular products are considered jewelry.
A bit of history
Primitive ways to decorate themselves were popular even among ancient people - they wore leaflets, pebbles, blades of grass ... It is noteworthy that this was before the appearance of clothes. Apparently, the vanity of mankind is developed more than a sense of modesty.
Of course, the very interpretation of the word "jewelry" appeared much later, in France, but jewelry appeared much earlier.
In general, the exact moment of the appearance of jewelry is difficult to determine - centuries have passed, if not millennia. The Egyptians, eager for luxury, began to decorate themselves with full-fledged jewelry. They wore amulets with eyes and hearts. In Russia, the Normans brought fashion for wearing jewelry. And in the 18th century, the heyday of jewelry reached its highest point, because jewelers learned to imitate precious stones. But at the same time, fakes were much cheaper, and people with low incomes could afford them.
Jewelry classification
All jewelry that exists today can be divided into the following types:
- Classical An imitation of natural jewelry, which with quality performance is difficult to distinguish from real jewelry. Typically, classic jewelry is quite expensive, but its life is longer.
- Avant-garde jewelry, photo of which is presented in the article below. It is the author’s, made by hand, and therefore differs in originality and uniqueness. Such products are made from such materials: beads, threads, semiprecious stones.
- Ethnic. Traditional styles of various countries are often embodied in jewelry that can not only be worn, but also stored at home as an element of decor. Ethnic jewelry is products that breathe a certain mystery, a folk spirit.
Also, jewelry is divided into 4 types, depending on its quality.
4 types of jewelry
Type 1 - these are very cheap and tasteless little things that are made from the most primitive materials.
2nd type - better jewelry, usually collected manually. They are made from materials already purchased. Despite its obvious “unnaturalness”, such jewelry looks very stylish.
Type 3 - designer jewelry, assembled from stones, wood, shells, threads, beads and other materials in completely unique jewelry. Usually such gizmos are exclusive, so they are quite expensive.
And finally, the 4th type of jewelry is expensive jewelry, often plated with gold or silver, inlaid with semiprecious stones. Such products look expensive, it is almost impossible to distinguish them from natural ones without a professional. The cost of these jewelry corresponds to their quality.
Materials for making jewelry
To create jewelry using metals and alloys from them, as well as plastic, ceramics, transparent and colored glass. Most often, the following alloys are used in the manufacture of products:
Cupronickel. The combination of copper, nickel, iron and manganese. Reminds silver in appearance.
Nickel silver - copper, nickel and zinc. If you haven’t regret nickel, the jewelry casts in a greenish or bluish tone on a white background. The material is corrosion resistant.
Brass. Copper combined with zinc creates the illusion of gold jewelry.
Pyuter is an alloy of tin and various additives.
Bronze. Copper and zinc with additives.
Be careful when purchasing jewelry based on nickel or lead, as they may cause allergies. Try to buy quality jewelry - it will last you longer and will not damage your health.
Electroplating is the most popular method of gilding jewelry. Its composition includes gold, silver, rhodium and alloys based on it.
In addition, depending on the cost and quality, the jewelry can be inlaid with various types of rhinestones, Swarovski stones (the cost of these products is obviously higher), as well as artificial jewelry - zircons, cubic zirconias, which in their composition are closer to natural diamonds.
Rhinestones are an imitation of gemstones with a mirror coating for better shine. Their durability depends on the material. Plastic as well as acrylic rhinestones shine rather dull and look cheap. In addition, they serve not for long. But Swarovski rhinestones are better. They are brilliant due to the fact that they are made of crystal in combination with lead. It is quite difficult to distinguish them from natural stones with the naked eye. Although the term of their operation is still not so long.
The jewelry is also encrusted with natural stones, especially bracelets and beads.
Natural stones and jewelry
Natural stones are an excellent choice for people who love bright jewelry and ... believe in esotericism. After all, each stone has its own properties and even corresponds to a particular zodiac sign. In addition, at the energy level, stones are able to affect the radiation of the human body. Thus, they have a certain healing effect on the body, which is scientifically justified. So, consider the value of jewelry made from natural stones.
Attention! When wearing, it is better that the stone comes into direct contact with the diseased area - thus, its benefit will increase many times.
Thyroid. Amber is shown in the form of a necklace for disorders of the thyroid gland, as it contains iodine.
Bronchi In diseases of the bronchi - moonstone or pearl.
Heart. Buy a ring with sapphire, garnet or jade. Wear it on the little finger of your left hand.
The kidneys. Showing bracelets made of jadeite, lapis lazuli or white jade. Lapis lazuli can help with headaches.
Eyes. For eye diseases or poor eyesight, chrysolite earrings will help.
Back. For back pain, regularly wear a jadeite or carnelian ring on your index finger.
Of course, you should not forget about a more serious treatment, but these stones will help you alleviate unpleasant symptoms, and in some cases even help with treatment.
Conclusion
Jewelry is beautiful, stylish and relatively inexpensive. Choose it for outfits and combine to find your unique style. Today it is worn even more often than natural products, which have recently risen in price. Be beautiful!