Jewellery history goes back many centuries, used as adornment in prehistoric times. Jewellery design most probably started in Egypt, Italy, China and South and Central America approximately 5000 years ago. Over the centuries it came to be a sign of social or religious rank.

From the 17th century the decorative function of jewellery again came to the fore, overshadowing its symbolic significance. By 1930, industrialization in New York brought jewellery within the reach of the middle class by creating mass production processes.

The purpose of modern jewellery has changed very little. It's the great change in technology which has made jewellery more elaborate, ornate and sophisticated.

Other than beauty, there are many significances to wearing jewellery. The ring, for example, is symbolic of unity and eternity. Because the ring is a circle, it was considered an object of protection, magical guard or something that warded off negativity through its continuity. Rings are still symbols of marriages and other unions due to them representing eternity. All rings were once magical or sacred.

Jewellery such as a necklace was considered a large ring worn around the neck. Because necklaces are worn near to the heart, they can be used to work on the emotions, or attract or strengthen love.

Earrings have their own interesting history as they were once worn to guard the ears from negativity and disease. In some parts of history earrings were not used as jewellery but became a symbol of slavery as slaves wore earrings to mark their status.