Jewelry in Art History: From Antiquity to the Present Day
Jewellery in art history: From antiquity to the present day. In short: Jewellery is as old as humanity itself and has been a mirror of society, faith, and beauty ideals in every era. From Stone Age shell necklaces to contemporary 3D-printed jewellery: A journey through the art history of jewellery shows how long the path has been and how much of the past still lives on in modern pieces.
As of: September 2026. By Phil Oberlaender, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.
Stone Age (100,000 years ago): The beginning
The oldest known piece of jewellery: shells with intentionally drilled holes, found in Moroccan caves 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; jewellery served as tribal identification and a status symbol.
Ancient Egypt (3000 to 30 BC): Gold of the gods
The Egyptians perfected gold jewellery. Broad collars (wesekh), bracelets, scarab amulets, pectorals (breastplates)—all in gold and semi-precious stones (lapis lazuli, carnelian, turquoise). Jewellery was religious: it provided protection in life and accompanied the dead. Tutankhamun's burial chamber contained tons of gold jewellery.
Ancient Greece and Rome (800 BC to 400 AD): Elegance and symbol
Greek gold jewellery: filigree gold work, grain and leaf motifs, religious symbols. Very delicate and technically impressive. Roman jewellery: more practical, solid, with gems (semi-precious stone engravings) for signet rings. The signet ring as an identity document.
Middle Ages (5th to 15th century): Faith and power
In medieval Europe, jewellery was strictly regulated according to social standing (sumptuary laws). Reliquaries (containers for holy relics) worn as jewellery, gold crosses, fibulae (decorative clothing clasps). Jewellery communicated: Are you nobility, clergy, or commoner? Each group had different symbols and materials.
Renaissance (15th to 17th century): Humanism in gold
Humanity becomes the focal point, and with it, portraits and individual beauty. Jewellery becomes more personal: initials, emblems, portrait medallions. Goldsmithing reaches technical excellence. The discovery of the Americas brings new gemstones to Europe; emeralds from Colombia change the market.
Baroque and Rococo (17th to 18th century): Opulence
Everything becomes more: more gemstones, more gilding, more opulence. The diamond gains importance through improved cutting techniques. Portraits of nobles show jewellery that exceeds the national budget of a small country. The tennis bracelet originated in this era as a continuous row of diamonds.
Art Nouveau (1890 to 1910): Nature as jewellery
The rebellion against industrialization finds expression in organic forms. Art Nouveau jewellery: dragonflies, women with loose hair, orchids—all in gold, enamel, and unusual stones. René Lalique is the most important artist. His jewellery is art, not mere craft.
Art Déco (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; jewellery becomes more functional and modern. Art Déco is the quintessential era of modern jewellery.
Today: Democratization of jewellery
In 2027, everyone can wear beautiful jewellery thanks to fashion jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and global e-commerce. Jewellery is no longer the privilege of the nobility. It is an expression of personality, values, and connections for everyone.
Wearing history with Corelune Jewellery
Every piece of jewellery carries the history of all the pieces before it. At Corelune Jewellery, we honor this history with a modern and contemporary touch.
Discover historically inspired jewellery!
Which ring shape is suitable for everyday use?
| Buying criterion | What to look for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure in the evening | Fingers swell throughout the day |
| Width | Half a size larger for wider rings | More material rests against the finger |
| Inner edge | Rounded instead of sharp | Sharp edges cause chafing |
| Material | Stainless steel cannot be resized | Plan for exchange instead of adjustment |
Related: What is a tennis bracelet?.
Related: How much jewellery is too much? 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 the price per day worn rather than the purchase price, and the comparison becomes honest. Ultimately, what matters is how often the piece is actually worn, not what was on the price tag.
In what situations is it better to take off jewellery?
Anyone who wears jewellery daily should be aware of three situations where the risk significantly increases. Friction against collars, scarves, and sleeves is the most inconspicuous but frequent cause of visible wear. Anything beyond that is unnecessary with stainless steel.
Materials, dimensions, and prices at a glance
Showering, swimming, and sports do not harm stainless steel; it does not tarnish. For your reference, the specifications from the Corelune range.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel (RVS 304 or RVS 316), nickel-free, waterproof, and tarnish-resistant |
| Gold plating | 14 karat, 2.5 micrometers on stainless steel |
| Chain lengths | Choker 32 cm to 36 cm, standard 37 cm to 45 cm, long 46 cm+ |
| Ring sizes | 16 mm to 19 mm inner diameter, many adjustable |
| Prices | most pieces between €30 and €36, no piece over €65 |
| Multiple items | 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3, 30% off 4, 35% off 5 |
| Shipping | free from €59, 2 to 5 working days to Germany, 14-day returns |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my ring size?
Fingers are narrower in the morning than in the evening, so measure in the evening. A strip of paper is sufficient; the number of millimeters corresponds to the German ring size.
Can a stainless steel ring be resized?
Stainless steel is practically impossible to resize because the material is too hard. Exchanging it within the return period is a faster solution than attempting an adjustment.
Does ring stacking work for everyday life?
Yes, in moderation. Two to three thin bands on one finger look intentional; spread across the whole hand, it looks accidental.
How can I identify a reputable jewellery shop?
Look for complete information regarding materials, dimensions, and origin of shipment, a clearly stated return policy, and an accessible legal notice (Impressum). If material information is missing or health-related promises are made, it is advisable to be cautious.
You can find these implemented here: Shell charm bracelet in stainless steel and Star ring gold in stainless steel. Further bestsellers can be found in the category most popular pieces.
About the author
Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewellery daily since 2024: quality control, claims, and everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own product range and feedback from our customers. Where Corelune does not offer something, it is stated as such.
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The quantity discount is 20% for two items, 25% for three, 30% for four, and 35% for five. Free shipping on orders over €59. Two items in the same metal color can be freely combined.
View zirconia and crystal jewellery at Corelune
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- Second ear piercing: Piercing, healing, and the right stack
- Understanding zirconia: Why the stone sparkles so much
Also available in the shop: Casual flower charm bracelet in stainless steel and Flower charm bracelet with zirconia in stainless steel, as well as all models under Waterproof jewellery. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.
At Corelune: Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.
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