Jewelry Design

Evolving Functions of Jewelry

• The function of jewelry has evolved and varied over time from a form of currency to a fashion accessory and form of artistic expression. Numerous cultures have utilized jewelry as a form of currency and continue to do so today. For as long as precious metal and gemstones have been used to create jewelry it has existed as a sign of wealth. Many forms of jewelry have their roots in function, pins, buckles and brooches were initially created to serve a specific function but later evolved into more decorative pieces eventually considered ornamentation and jewelry.

Egyptian Jewelry• Many consider the period of

Egyptian jewelry as the dawning period for our modern form of jewelry. It was during this time that the manufacturing of jewelry became a profession and techniques and skills evolved to create a wide variety of styles and adornments. Jewelry craftsman began to utilize artistic skill and an increasingly wide variety of materials.

• Many expensive gemstones we consider precious today like diamonds were very rarely used simply because they did not exhibit the color or symbolism of other gemstones. Egyptian beliefs stipulated that every gemstone carried certain mystical powers which would be transferred to the owner when worn as jewelry.

Greek and Roman Jewelry• Greek and Roman

jewelry was often created to symbolize legends and gods and later popular cultural beliefs.

• This period is renowned for the creation of the cameo. The cameo is a piece of stone carved to create a portrait of a leader or god.

Jewelry during the Middle Age•Jewelry during this time was used primarily as a form of symbolizing Christian faith.

•Precious stones and metals were once again reserved for the wealthy and were even for lower classes during certain periods

Jewelry during the Renaissance period

• Commonly referred to as the “Jewel Age” jewelry began during the Renaissance to adopt a newfound purpose.

• Prior to this time jewelry served primarily as form of symbolism and wealth, forming an integral part of expressing religious and cultural beliefs.

• During Renaissance period the roles of jewelry began to diverge.

• Increasingly jewelry served the role of body adornment, created solely for the purpose of improving personal presentation and beauty.

• While jewelry was already seen as sign of wealth many now began to collect it solely for the purpose of protecting ones wealth.

• As a form of currency it was easily protected, easy to sell and universally valuable.

• Due to the focus on the role of jewelry in enhancing beauty gemstones were prized for attributes such as color, luster and shine over the previously held beliefs of mystical powers.

• For the first time in history the use of Diamond was popularized and a number of cutting methods and shapes were developed.

• Discoveries of new countries resulted in massive influx of previously scarce metals and gemstones. The majority of extravagant pieces we recognize today were commission by French and English royalty during this period.

Present day and beyond

• Today jewelry is increasingly viewed as a form of artistic expression as the tools and materials of production become increasingly affordable and available. This trend also continues to grow due to the fact that precious metals and gemstones are no longer utilized as signs of wealth and social status. These factors have contributed to a focus on design, creativity and artistic expression over symbolism and social status.

Sculptural Jewelry

• Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard and/or plastic material, sound, and/or text and or light, commonly stone (either rock or marble), metal, glass, or wood.

• jewelry is an item of personal adornment, such as a necklace, ring, or bracelet, that is worn by a person. It may be made from gemstones or precious metals, but may be from any other material, and may be appreciated because of geometric or other patterns, or meaningful symbols.

Project Requirements

1. Must be a piece of jewelry (necklace, ring, bracelet, cuff, belt buckle, hair piece, etc)

2. Be a 3D sculpture3. Have inspiration from an animal