Fine Jewelry Forms And Functions

The visual appeal of fine jewelry has never ceased to amaze us. In fact, jewelry pieces have been objects that denote social status especially during ancient times. They have significantly shaped many traditions that we know today. From necklaces and earrings, to rings and bracelets, these adornments have provided humans with worldly satisfaction that no other material could induce.

There are many types of fine jewelry pieces to choose from. Some are used as adornments, while others are used as symbolic tokens for certain occasions. There are also pieces that are inexpensive and simple in finish, while other articles are very expensive and made from the finest materials. Some of the most popular and commonly used pieces would be discussed here to provide further understanding about their qualities and uses. Rings are perhaps the most common articles of jewelry that almost all of us are familiar with. These jewelry pieces may come in the form of plain cylindrical bands as seen from wedding rings ornamented with precious stones like diamond heart setting, spiral or serpentine coils, signet rings, and open on one side. Rings are used for differing purposes but usually they serve as symbolic tokens given during special events like betrothals and weddings, or just to highlight one's fingers. In the case of signet rings, they commonly bear the emblems of fraternal orders or other organizational insignias.

The necklace is another popular form of jewelry worn around the neck. Generally, necklaces come in four different forms: close fitting collar band decorated with precious stones or beads, chain necklace with a pendant, raw of beads in graduating sizes set in a wire or chain, and strings of different lengths of necklaces worn on top of each other. Necklaces can be created from various materials but works well with metals, gemstones or the combination of two, and they are usually partnered with pendants made from gemstones with the diamond heart being one of the most sought after pendant design. To further highlight the beauty of necklaces, they appropriately worn with dresses that have low necklines as this design helps the jewelry to become the focal point of the person's upper body.

Meanwhile, earrings are articles of jewelry used for the ears that could be set against the earlobes or are left as dangling drops. One of the most usual forms of earrings set on the earlobes are large pearls, while popular hanging earrings are chandeliers and hoops. Traditionally, it is a requisite to have the ears pierced when wearing earrings as this practice was once considered a barbaric act. Today, earrings can be worn by means of clipping them to the ear, though the method of ear piercing is still practiced.

The bracelet is another type of fine jewelry, worn on the arm. This large ring-like piece may come as closed band, spiral coil, open on one side, closed with clasp or flexible rings formed as links. Other than the aforementioned pieces, there are other types of jewelry that one may encounter in the market including pins, cuff links, anklets, chains, brooches, and collar buttons to name a few. Generally, there are many jewelry pieces that vary in function, quality and design; it is already up to the individual what jewelry to use in accordance to his or her desired function.

Fine jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are commonly used as personal adornments. However, they can also be used to signify societal status, as a form of currency, symbolism as well as artistic display. They can be made from precious metals set with gemstones just like a diamond heart setting and may come in varying finishes depending on the wearers preference.

-Lorraine Jacobs