The cultural and historical significance of jewellery in different countries

In today's society, there is a wide range of jewelry available for various body parts, from headpieces to foot accessories. Considering its importance to many individuals, jewelry can carry numerous interpretations.

What is Jewellery?

Jewellery refers to items that are worn for personal adornment, such as rings, necklaces, or pendants, which are usually crafted from valuable metals and often include precious gems. These pieces can be attached to the body or worn as decorative accessories on clothing.

In many western societies, particularly in the UK, jewellery is primarily made up of expensive gemstones or valuable metals and is worn as a decorative item for fashion purposes. It can also be worn to signify social or personal importance, such as a wedding ring symbolizing everlasting love or a friendship bracelet representing a bond between friends. Additionally, jewellery can be worn to indicate mourning or bring luck, and it can even serve a practical purpose, like a watch. However, aside from the UK, how do other cultures adorn themselves with accessories and what are the reasons behind it? Below are some examples of the diverse meanings associated with jewellery in various cultures around the globe.

Myanmar

The women of the Padaung tribe in Myanmar are famous for having exceptionally elongated necks. This is achieved by wearing numerous gold neck rings, which is a common practice within the tribe, unlike our usual body modifications involving ear expanders. Wearing these neck rings is regarded as a way to display cultural identity. Even girls as young as five years old begin wearing their first neck ring, and it is added to gradually over time. Through this process, the necks of Padaung women can reach up to 15 inches in length.

Sahara

The Tuareg people, who primarily live in the Sahara Desert, have a lifestyle that involves constant movement and crossing borders. It is a tradition for Tuareg men to cover their faces with a blue cloth called a Tagelmust, which is dyed with indigo. This veiling is done to protect themselves from evil spirits. Additionally, when a Tuareg boy reaches puberty, his father passes down a silver piece of jewelry known as a Tuareg cross. This cross is symbolic and represents the four corners of the world, reflecting their nomadic culture. It also signifies that the wearer is uncertain about where they will eventually die.

France

Looking closer to home, jewellery, known as "bijoux" in French, is primarily worn for fashion purposes. Napoleon played a significant role in restoring the importance of jewellery and fashion in France during his reign in 1804. He achieved this through the introduction of parures, which are sets of matching jewellery. The era also witnessed the emergence of costume jewellery and the creation of new terms to distinguish different types of jewellery. For instance, "bijoutiers" refers to jewellers who use inexpensive materials, while "joailliers" typically work with more expensive pieces. As a result, "joaillerie" refers to intricate metalwork found in art or church items, rather than solely fashion jewellery.

Greece

In Greek and Cypriot culture, there is a long-standing tradition of using beaded jewelry known as komboloi. This type of jewelry is also commonly referred to as worry beads and serves a similar purpose to a stress ball. Worry beads are typically made from colorful glass or amber and can be manipulated as a way to occupy one's hands. Originally, komboloi were used by Greek monks to keep count of their prayers, but over time these beads lost their religious significance. Although they are considered jewelry, komboloi are not worn and were historically used exclusively by men until recent decades.

China

In China, Jade has been revered as the most precious gem for thousands of years. It is even more costly than gold or silver when it comes to jewellery. This stone holds a special place in Chinese culture due to its remarkable blend of beauty and strength. It symbolizes a harmonious equilibrium of opposite forces, known as yin and yang. Traditionally, jade jewellery was worn as a talisman to safeguard the wearer against malevolent spirits and misfortune. Currently, jade continues to be highly esteemed, and many contemporary Chinese families possess heirloom jade jewellery that has been passed down through generations.

Sápmi

The Sápmi region, also known as Lapland, spans across parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia and is inhabited by the indigenous Sami people. For over 5,000 years, this nomadic tribal group has specialized in crafting unique leather jewelry. Because of their constant movement, the Sami made use of the leather from the reindeer they herded instead of using metals or precious stones. Traditional Sami leather bracelets are typically simple, braided, or decorated with silver thread. Nowadays, commercially produced Sami-style bracelets can be found worldwide and may feature glass beads or Swarovski crystals as well.

Southwestern US

In a similar vein to how the Chinese value Jade, the Navajo tribe holds turquoise in high regard as well. As the second largest federally recognized Native American tribe in the United States, the Navajo people have viewed turquoise as a significant symbol for many centuries. To them, turquoise represents joy, well-being, and good fortune, its vibrant colors reflecting a deep connection to the natural world. Additionally, wearing turquoise jewelry also signifies one's social status within the tribe. The amount of jewelry a person possesses, the size of the pieces, and the number of precious gemstones they contain are all factors that indicate wealth and social influence.

South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa is where the Zulu people reside, who are the largest ethnic group in the country. Within this tribe, beadwork has traditionally been employed as a form of communication between men and women. Similar to an engagement ring, Zulu beadwork serves as a more vibrant way to convey a woman's marital status. It can also provide insight into her household, family, and other messages. The different colors, sizes, and arrangement of the beads all hold distinct meanings. This craft is typically practiced by women and passed down to young girls as a skill. As a result, Zulu women often assist men in interpreting the jewelry of other women.

Are you aware of any other ways that jewellery is used in cultures that are not mentioned in this list? Please share your knowledge with us in the comments section! Shining Diamonds provides a wide selection of engagement rings, diamond rings, and wedding rings, each carrying a special significance that you can convey to your beloved. Get in touch with us now to inquire about obtaining your customized diamond jewellery!