Epic Jewellery and Contemporary Trends

This overview showcases the different materials, technologies, cultures and mindsets that produced the jewellery of the past. You will understand relationship between geography and materials as well as ways to gather inspiration from past eras.

Basic yet powerful, the jewellery of the earliest humans was both ornamental and ceremonial. Explore the materials and many forms of primitive beauty among the first tribes of hunter-gatherers.

The increase in trade between emerging civilisations meant new materials and markets for jewellery craftsmen. Explore the creations of the Mediterranean cultures, especially Egypt and Greece.

The overwhelming effects of Christianity and the Roman Empire on jewellery during this time is undeniable. Simultaneously, important Asiatic contributions from China, the Indian Subcontinent and African cultures are unturned to see how cultural changes affected jewellery. The rise of manufacturing processes and improved stone cutting will also become apparent to you.

Increased trade among the cities of Europe led to a burst of trends, such as the "hair jewellery" of the Romantic Period. Arabesques, cameos, mosaic jewellery and other historic jewellery concepts originated in this dynamic period and make this an exciting time to delve into.

Departing from the classicism which preceded it, Art Nouveau defined a new era full of flowing, organic shapes and floral motifs. Enamelling and elaborate wire work are among the techniques used to celebrate nature and depict fantasy in ways previously impossible to produce.

Sensual and feminine, the Edwardian era replaced the conservatism of the Victorian era. Signature design elements include intricate filigree and copious use of gemstones as well as the rise of the white metals-platinum, palladium and rhodium.

The influence of modern architecture on Art Deco jewellery is revealed, especially in regard to the style's use of clean lines and strong contrasts. You will better grasp the nuances of this fascinating period by inspecting Art Deco's distinctive use of gemstones and metals.

As a result of the embargoes and difficulties of the Second World War, gemstones and precious metals became less accessible - this completely changed the jewellery of the time and gave rise to some extraordinary innovations. Pieces from this period tended to be more masculine and oversized.

Pop art, disco, new wave music, "bling", the green revolution and other sociological factors that have influenced jewellery design over the past forty years! Explore some of these interesting influences and see where jewellery and fashion designers look to for definitive research on the coming season's colours and themes.

Reviewing previous lessons, you appreciate how historical trends and themes can inspire the future. To conclude this journey, you will be introduced to different sources for further exploration and ways to monitor upcoming trends.