Classification of Jewelry is No Easy Task

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Centuries ago, among the most civilized nations of Europe, the ” beau” and ” macaronis” adorned themselves with jewelry of all kinds. Today, however, it is confined, and with greater propriety, almost entirely to women with the exception of a few. Desirous always of pleasing, the gentle sex has ever sought to add to its charms by adorning itself with jewels.

Two methods of dealing with the history of the present subject present themselves. One method consists in taking individual classes of jewelry, tracing their complete development, and following the changes they undergo during the various periods of civilization. By the other—the historical method—all types of jewelry in existence at a particular time are examined side by side within the historical period to which they belong. The general changes that take place at one epoch find an echo in every piece of jewelry that belongs to that epoch.

The different classes of jewelry during every period all bear a distinct relationship of style. For instance, the changes which take place in the aspect of the necklace at a particular epoch will be found to occur at the same time in that of the bracelet and girdle. But there may,exist the widest divergence in style and idea between a particular piece of jewelry and its successor of a subsequent period.

For these reasons an historical and chronological mode of treatment has been adopted, which will allow more completeness of observation, and fuller and more scientific investigation of style and craftsmanship.

Certain difficulties are nevertheless encountered, because periods and fashions naturally overlap. This is particularly the case in times when communication was not easy; since some people would cling to an old form of jewelry, while others, more traveled or more fashionably minded, would prefer a new.

In proceeding towards a systematic classification of personal ornaments it may be advisable, instead of dealing with the separate ornaments of each period according to their relative importance or prominence, to follow a simpler and more natural plan. Thus, a simpler method of classification might be discussing ornaments dealt with in each succeeding epoch will in every case be those worn :

(1.) on the head—diadems, tiaras, aigrettes, hair-pins, jewels for the hat and cap, and earrings;
(2) on the neck—necklaces and neck-chains hung with numerous varieties of pendants;
(3) on the breast—brooches, clasps, buttons ;
(4) on the limbs—armlets, anklets, bracelets, rings ; and
(5) on the body and waist—girdles and their various attachments, chatelaines, and miscellaneous pendent ornaments, such as pomanders, scent-cases, rosaries, etc.

This post is connected to this post: https://carmilitashandmadejewelry.wordpress.com/2016/10/17/the-development-of-earrings-necklaces-and-the-brooch/

Purchase Handmade Bead Jewelry at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/carmilitaearrings

Some Popular Bead Jewelry Trends in 2014

In this article I write about several bead jewelry trends of 2014.


A trend derived from “allegory,” is said to be a representation of abstract and/or spiritual. This bead jewelry trend is about medieval and mythical spirits. Bead jewelry artisans who create jewelry in this theme construct it keeping in mind geometry and primitive designs incorporating ancient philosophies. Colors include intense rust, fiery flame, ultramarine blue and off white. Swarovski capri blue, copper metallic, matte flat squares, red opaque drops and cobalt farfalle seed beads are examples of the color palatte within this theme as well.


A cross gender would focus upon surrealism, exotic fantasy and imagining what an alternative universe would look like. Strong pinks, acid yellows, pale blues and pure white is symbolic of futuristic visions and what to expect in another universe of time. Beads within this cross gender might be Swarovski neon pink pearls or pink firepolish rounds. Hyacinth orange mix gemstone doughnuts and white dagger beads might also be used within this cross gender.


On a contemporary note, Asia is the influence having a Zen-like trend of minimal east. Asia has a preoccupation with ancient crafts combined with innovative technology creating a neo-minimalist trend. The resulting bead jewelry communicates cultural roots of a modern rapidly changing world. Bead jewelry artisans creating jewelry within the contemporary trend use soft, subtle tones of gray-green, borealis grays, jade green and hints here and there of Chinese lacquer red. The Asian influence denotes sophistication and meticulous style. Beads chosen might be stone gray luster firepolish, Swarovski dark grey pearls, Swaroski red coral pearls, celsian finish beads and aquamarine celsian firepolish as well as taupe matte firepolish seed beads.


The trend of an Eldorado Remix combines two southern countries, Brazil and South Africa. This trend is full of vibrant, rich colors. It is tribal and spiritied oriented mixing tradition with contemporary designs. Create bead jewelry designed around ancient civilization sculpture using provocative colors such as amethyst, turquoise, ruby and coral. Mix the gemstones with earthy tones of brown, deep and bright green. Use Iris Purple firepolish, Swarovski Fern Green Bicones, Coral Peacock Daggers and Bronze firepolish rounds.


These are just some of the bead jewelry trends popular in the year of 2014. Discover your own designs.


Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewelry Artisan


Meet Starr


P1090785


Starr is a pair of dangle earrings I added to Carmilita’s Christmas Collection of dangle earrings. She is a mixture of what looks like either snow flakes or stars and glass bells, so pretty.

Starr dangles delightfully from the hook about 1 1/2 inches.

Materials Used:


4 star or snowflake silver plated charms same on both sides
2 silver plated French earring hooks
8 silver plated jump rings 9 mm
4 purple glass crackle beads 6 mm
4 pink glass crackle beads 6 mm
16 silver plated filigree beads 3 mm

Starr’s Price: $15 (includes shipping)

Starr will arrive in your home in an organza bag ready for gift giving securely wrapped and placed within a bubble envelope. Purchase Starr from this site and receive FREE shipping included in the price plus a FREE gift.


See other bead jewelry selections here: Carmilita’s Earrings
Purchase Starr here: Carmilita’s Earrings