Jewelry in Art History: From Antiquity to the Present Day

Jewelry in art history: From antiquity to today. In short: Jewelry is as old as humanity itself and has been a reflection of society, faith, and the ideal of beauty in every era. From prehistoric shell necklaces to contemporary 3D-printed jewelry: A journey through the history of jewelry art shows how far it has come and how much of the past still lives on in modern jewelry.

As of September 2026. By Phil, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

Stone Age (100,000 years ago): The beginning

The oldest known piece of jewelry: Shells with deliberately drilled holes, found in caves in Morocco and over 100,000 years old. Even our ancestors had the impulse to wear beautiful objects close to their bodies. Shells, bones, animal teeth, and stones were the first materials, jewelry as a sign of tribal belonging and status.

Ancient Egypt (3000 to 30 BC): Gold of the gods

The Egyptians perfected gold jewelry. Wide collars (Wesekh), bracelets, scarab amulets, pectorals (chest plates), all in gold and semi-precious stones (lapis lazuli, carnelian, turquoise). Jewelry was religious: It protected in life and accompanied the dead. Tutankhamun's burial chamber contained tons of gold jewelry.

Ancient Greece and Rome (800 BC, 400 AD): Elegance and symbol

Greek gold jewelry: Filigree gold work, ear of corn and leaf motifs, symbols of the gods. Very thin and technically impressive. Roman jewelry: Practical, massive, with gems (engraved semi-precious stones) for signet rings. The signet ring as an identity document.

Middle Ages (5th, 15th century): Faith and power

In medieval Europe, jewelry was strictly regulated by status (sumptuary laws). Reliquaries (containers for holy relics) as jewelry, crosses in gold, brooches (decorative garment fasteners). Jewelry communicated: Are you nobility, clergy, or a citizen? Each group had different symbols and materials.

Renaissance (15th, 17th century): Humanism in gold

Man moves to the center, and with it portraits and individual beauty. Jewelry becomes more personal: Initials, emblems, portrait medallions. Goldsmithing reaches technical perfection. The discovery of America brings new gemstones to Europe, emeralds from Colombia change the market.

Baroque and Rococo (17th, 18th century): Opulence

Everything becomes more: More gemstones, more gilding, more opulence. The diamond gains importance through improved cutting techniques. Portraits of nobles show jewelry that exceeds the state finances of a small country. The tennis bracelet is created in this era as a continuous row of diamonds.

Art Nouveau (1890 to 1910): Nature as jewelry

The rebellion against industrialization expresses itself in organic forms. Art Nouveau jewelry: Dragonflies, women with open hair, orchids, all in gold, enamel, and unusual stones. René Lalique is the most important artist. His jewelry is art, not craftsmanship.

Art Deco (1920 to 1940): Geometry and contrast

Modernity breaks through: Geometric shapes, black-and-white contrasts (diamond + onyx), platinum instead of gold. Women dance, drive cars, work, jewelry becomes more functional and modern. Art Deco is the era of modern jewelry par excellence.

Today: Democratization of jewelry

In 2027, anyone can wear beautiful jewelry, thanks to fashion jewelry, lab-grown diamonds, and global e-commerce. Jewelry is no longer a privilege of the nobility. It is an expression of personality, values, and connections for everyone.

Wear history with Corelune Jewellery

Every piece of jewelry carries the history of all the jewelry before it. At Corelune Jewellery, modern and contemporary, we honor this history.

Discover historically inspired jewelry!

Which ring shape is suitable for everyday wear?

Matching this: What is a tennis bracelet?.

Matching this: How much jewelry is too much? The balance rules for every look.

What do you get in which price range?

What a piece costs says less about its durability than most people assume. For daily use, calculate a price per day worn instead of the purchase price, then the comparison will be fair. What matters in the end is how often the piece is actually worn, not what was on the label.

In what situations do you prefer to take off jewelry?

Anyone who wears jewelry daily should know three situations where the risk increases significantly. Friction against collars, scarves, and sleeves is the most inconspicuous, but most common cause of visible wear. Anything beyond that is not necessary with stainless steel.

Overview of material, dimensions, and prices

Showering, swimming, and sports do not affect stainless steel; it does not tarnish. For reference, here are the values from the Corelune range.

Frequently asked questions

What ring size do I have?

The finger is narrower in the morning than in the evening, so measure in the evening. A strip of paper is enough; the number of millimeters is also the German ring size.

Can a stainless steel ring be resized?

Stainless steel can practically not be resized; the material is too hard for that. An exchange within the return period leads to the goal faster than an attempt at adjustment.

Does ring stacking work in everyday life?

Yes, in moderation. Two to three narrow bands on one finger look intentional; spread across the hand, it looks random.

How do I recognize a reputable jewelry shop?

By complete information about material, dimensions, and shipping origin, by a clearly stated return period, and by a reachable imprint. If material information is missing or health-related promises are made, caution is advised.

You can find it implemented here: Charm Bracelet Shell with Shell in Stainless Steel and Ring Star Gold in Stainless Steel. You can find more bestsellers in the category the most popular pieces.

About the author

Phil runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working daily with stainless steel jewelry since 2024: sample testing, complaints, wear tests in everyday life. The information in this article comes from the in-house range and from what customers report back. Where Corelune does not offer something, that is also stated here.

Which categories fit this topic?

Specifically, it looks like this:

• Cubic Zirconia and Crystal Jewelry
• Rings for Women
• Sea and Beach Jewelry

The volume discount is 20% for two pieces, 25% for three, 30% for four, and 35% for five. Free shipping from 59 euros. Two pieces in the same metal color can be freely combined.

View Cubic Zirconia and Crystal Jewelry at Corelune

At Corelune: Free shipping from 59 €, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

→ View Waterproof Jewelry at Corelune