The document discusses the history of jewellery from ancient times to the 18th century. It provides details on the materials and styles of jewellery in different time periods. These include ancient cultures using stones, shells and bones and later precious metals. The document also discusses the Medieval period where jewellery indicated social status, the Renaissance bringing more opulent designs, and 18th century jewellery featuring diamonds. It promotes the jewellery collections and designs by Ian Rosenberg Jeweller that showcase styles from various eras.

2.  The use of jewellery as cultural decoration dates back to ancient times. As far back as the Greeks,
Egyptians and Romans, and more recently to the Bronze Age, jewellery can be found that has been
made from a wide variety of materials that we still use today.
 Jewellery is present in cultures across the globe, making it a global expression of cultural ideas of
beauty and meaning.
 Ornaments such as necklaces, earrings, brooches and bracelets have undergone significant changes
during the course of human history, as technology has evolved and the materials’ values have
fluctuated.
 This presentation will cover Ancient Jewellery; Medieval Jewellery, from the years 1200 – 1500;
Renaissance Jewellery; 17th Century Jewellery; and 18th Century Jewellery.
 A further presentation will cover the periods from the early to mid 19th Century; the end of the 19th
Century (the Arts & Crafts jewellery era); Art Nouveau Jewellery; Art Deco Jewellery; and
Contemporary Jewellery.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller

3.  As the materials available to the ancient cultures were less complex than those we have now, the
creators of jewellery utilised the things that nature provided them with.
 Stones, shells and even bones were used to create simplistic adornments in the beginning, but as the
advent of metal discovery and the working of these metals began, jewellery changed.
 Gold was particularly high in value; much like today, it held a special significance. Once the process
for working metal had been discovered, jewellery made with beautiful metals came into being.
 A long tradition of burying highly valuable jewellery with the dead to accompany them as payment in
the afterlife started during this period.
 Ian Rosenberg Jeweller’s “Ancient Times” collection features gold collars in homage to this period.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller

4.  Between the years 1200 and 1500, Medieval European jewellery was used as an indication of hierarchy
and status within society.
 Those were of royal or noble birth wore precious metals such as gold and silver, and jewellery was
frequently adorned with precious gems such as rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Those who were born
into less fortunate circumstances used metals such as pewter or copper.
 Colourful jewellery was particularly valued, whether this was created through the use of precious gems
or by an enamel. Jewellery that could be “protective” was seen as particularly desirable.
 During this period, the technique for creating gems was to polish them rather than having them cut.
Enamels were also frequently used, allowing jewellers to create new colours and designs. These
enamels were made from ground up glass, which was then fire on the metals in the jewellery.
 “Magical” jewellery was sought after, with jewellery frequently being adorned with inscriptions
designed to protect the wearer from harm.
 Ian Rosenberg Jeweller’s “Magically Medieval” collection features enamel-coated jewellery that
reflects the glamour of this mystical period of jewellery history.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller

5.  The Renaissance era has become synonymous with opulent, splendid jewellery. Enamel was in full use,
and as it became more sophisticated it began to be used in more colourful and complex ways.
 The cutting of gemstones also became more sophisticated, so jewels really began to shine as proper
facets were created.
 Religion had an enormous influence on this period. The changes in preference for jewellery became
clear as more religious items took preference, with references to saints being seen. There was also an
increased interest in mythology.
 The jewellery worn could also signify political power, with larger statement pieces demonstrating the
high position of the wearer.
 Engraving the gemstones directly also became fashionable, as did portrait jewellery.
 Ian Rosenberg Jeweller’s statement jewellery pieces include large earrings, bold necklaces and brave
colour choices.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller

6.  Changes in fashion instigated a new wave of jewellery style in the mid-century period. Rather than
wearing heavier, darker fabrics that called for striking jewellery in bold tones, pastel colours were
coming to the fore.
 In response, delicate gemstones such as sapphires became more prevalent, as did pearls. Delicate
shades of blues and pinks were seen.
 The widening import industry saw a wider variety of gemstones available to jewellers, making jewellery
even more diverse.
 Jewels were frequently seen adorning bodices, normally in large sizes that required sewing onto the
strong fabric itself.
 Prettier and more detailed designs became prevalent, with bows and floral decorations at the
forefront of jewellery.
 Ian Rosenberg Jeweller’s “Bow Down to Me” jewellery collection feature beautiful bows, as well as
flowery designs in every pastel shade.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller

7.  The advent of more superior cutting techniques saw precious gemstones being made into stunning,
multi-faceted jewels. In the 18th Century, this became a particularly prominent technique for
diamonds, which rose to the top of the jewellery chain.
 Silver and diamond pairings were frequently seen, with status pieces featuring a myriad of diamonds
becoming a common sight at court.
 These precious stones were frequently incorporated into an outfit, with a large centrepiece attached
to a bodice and smaller satellite diamonds covering the rest of the outfit.
 Sadly for historians, not many original pieces survive from the 18th Century; as diamonds have
continued to be extremely valuable, the gemstones have been taken from their original settings and
placed in new ones, or merely being sold individually.
 Ian Rosenberg Jeweller’s “Diamonds are Forever” collection has a wide range of necklaces, rings and
earrings that feature this stunning and timeless stone.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller

8.  Ian Rosenberg Jewellery has grown to be a world famous brand with outlets nationwide. Having found
a profession which utilised his skills and creative ability, Ian Rosenberg was able to make jewellery
mixing classic British influences with French extravagance to create something unique.
 While Ian may have passed away some years ago, the company that bears his name still lives by the
same set of principles.
 See www.ianrosenbergjeweller.com for more information.
Ian Rosenberg Jeweller