A History of Children's Jewelry Children have worn jewelry throughout the centuries for several different reasons. Jewelry has mostly been used for personal decoration. But children have also worn jewelry to show status and wealth. Superstitious beliefs have also played a part in the historical use of jewelry for children. Parents once believed that certain pieces had the power to ward off evil spirits, prevent sickness, and protect their children from bad luck. Cambodian parents adorned their children's ankles with silver chains embellished with bells, in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. These pieces were also useful for knowing if their baby or toddler had ventured away from them and out of safety. In ancient times, necklaces and bracelets were made from shells, animal teeth, bits of wood and bone, leather, pebbles, berries, and feathers. These pieces were worn by infants as well as by older children. Babies were often presented with a simple necklace or bracelet at birth. In ancient Hebrew times, bracelets were the insignia of kings and their sons. Jewelers in ancient Egypt made beautiful enameled pieces worn by men, women, and children. Egyptians used gemstones in such jewelry as bracelets, brooches, head-dresses, pendants, and rings. They believed that gems had magical powers, and wore them for good luck. In ancient Greece, artisans rarely used inlaid gems but instead worked with enamel along with gold and silver wire. They would twist the wire into patterns that would form a gorgeous lace-like decoration called filigree. Unlike the Greeks, the Romans often used gems in their jewelry. They used gold settings but placed greater emphasis on precious stones. During the early Middle Ages, beginning in the 8th century, the wearing of jewelry was almost entirely restricted to royalty and members of the royal courts. Between 1200 and 1400, a prosperous middle class rose. This class began to acquire jewelry, wearing it as a sign of social status. In Victorian times, babies often wore exquisite gold and silver bracelets, pins and bib clips. The bracelets had a flattened area where the word "Baby" was engraved. Semi-precious stones such as garnets were sometimes set into gold bracelets and brooches for little ones. Older children often wore gold or silver necklaces, cameos, and bar pins. Many of these items were beautifully personalized with engravings. These pieces became family heirlooms. Many Victorian baby and children's jewelry items can be found on display in museums. In the 17th century, many sculptors would often apprentice to goldsmiths. Some of these jewelry items were created for functional reasons such as bib clips. Other items were created to symbolize religious membership, like the Star of David or a crucifix. This use of personalized jewelry continues today and is very popular in modern day children's jewelry design. Today, the most common reason for giving jewelry to a baby or child is in the spirit of giving a meaningful gift that will last a lifetime. Personalized infant bracelets are a meaningful and unique baby shower, christening, first communion, bar mitzvah, or birthday gift. Personalized infant jewelry is prized as the 21st century's family heirloom gift that will be cherished from one generation to the next. |
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| Six Sisters Beadworks creates exquisite custom made baby, childrens and Mothers Name and Birthstone Bracelets, personalized necklaces, birthstone earrings, dress up jewelry and bridal jewelry. High end designer bracelets. The perfect baby shower, baptismal, christening, first communion, Birthday, Mothers Day, Christmas, Easter, pregnancy or new Mom gift that she will treasure for a lifetime. Sterling silver, pearl and crystal beads, handmade in the USA. Baby, Child, Toddler, Mom, Mommy name bracelets. Baby bracelets, Couture baby jewelry, baby name bracelets, birthstone bracelets, brag bracelets, childrens bracelets, sterling silver bracelets, mothers bracelets, mommy bracelets, grandma bracelets, grandmother bracelet, nana jewelry, flower girl jewelry, remembrance bracelets, kids jewelry, toddler bracelet, deployment bracelets, support the troops jewelry, red, white and blue bracelet, infant loss and remembrance bracelet, miscarriage bracelet, memorial bracelet, adoption bracelet, preemie bracelet, bridal jewelry sets, bride, bridesmaids gifts, Mother of the bride gift |
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