Why Do We Wear Jewelry?

Have you ever wondered who started wearing jewelry first, how it happened and why? Most of us can remember from high school lessons about ancient history seeing people wear some kind of bling even in those ancient times. So, why and when did humans actually start to put colorful little stones, leather, and metals on their bodies?

We can't tell much about the people who lived before recorded history, but the archeologists guessed that those folks wore jewelry made out of feathers, bones, shells, and colored pebbles. Diamonds were not used in jewelry until people learned how to properly cut them to show their brilliance, which happened in Europe sometime in the 1300s.

As to the question of why, some of the early jewelry was worn to signify belonging to a certain group, or as a "charm" or amulet. Hunters believed that wearing trophies on their bodies would bring them good luck for the next hunt. In early societies, jewelry was also worn as amulets to protect against bad luck and illness. 

Many types of jewelry items still made today began as functional objects. Pins and brooches originated from the clasps that held clothing together. Rings and pendants were used for early seals and signs of identification, rank, and authority. Jewelry later came to signify human connection and commitment. Slaves were made to wear bracelets to show who they belonged to. Wedding rings symbolized the commitment two people had for each other. At one time in Europe, only the wealthy and high-ranking church officials were allowed to wear gemstones. This was a sign of wealth and power.

Today, some of us may wear bling for any or all of the reasons listed above, but some of us also wear it just to make our daily outfits come together better and help us stand out in a crowd. If that's your case, check out some of the bling we here at Buckaroo Bling have to offer.