In ancient times, jewellery was used by men and women in all cultures to adorn body. Ancient jewels include pre-Roman and Roman jewels, Greek jewels, Celtic, Saxon, Viking, Egyptian and medieval and post-medieval jewellery articles.
In the period of Greek art, ancient jewellery was more delicate and refined. Enamel and filigree were prominent in that era. Garnets and other large colored stones were used in the center of articles.
Necklaces were gold plated and were decorated with flowers and the earrings were mostly loop shaped. Necklaces with dangling pendants were also quite popular and well-liked. For pendants motifs of winged victories, cupids, and doves were common.
In Roman period cameo cutting and enamel were common and their jewels had a variety of stones set in them, usually in different rows. Fashionable brooches and rings were very popular and rings were worn on all ten fingers. Exotic ornaments made of amber were also in great demand. Gold coined necklaces and bracelets were admired by men and women of all ages.
Ancient jewellery of Egyptians was skillfully produced, engraved and soldered. Inlaid designs were the typical kind of that era. Gold and silver metal was used to make exotic patterns with semi precious stones like carnelian, jasper, amethyst, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. The fashion of wearing two bracelets was followed in ancient Egypt.
In Saxons and Vikings period, bronze, gold, and silver were used to make stylish and exquisite articles. Their necklaces were composed of beads, precious stones, pendants, and crosses. Bronze was used to make fancy brooches, buckles, belt ends, dress pins and rings. In that period niello was a popular method followed for the finishing of jewels. In this method black paste was rubbed on the items to give a contrast to the jewels.
The Celts had a strong belief in the interconnectedness of life, and they reflected this belief through their interlaced jewellery patterns. Celts used silver and gold, and bronze alloy or copper alloy for making fine pieces. Celtic knot work, crosses and Claddagh designs were the most common jewellery patterns.
