Jewelry is known as a form of unique adornment frequently displayed by women and men alike, but relatively few people know about the more interesting information about this stylish accessory. Whether purchasing a diamond ring, necklace or pair of diamond earrings, jewelry can be purchased in countless types and styles that all have their own unique story to share. Of the many basic types of jewelry, below are a handful with unusual histories:

Diamond Jewelry: An Advertising And Marketing Gimmick?

One of the most prized types of jewelry, diamond jewelry is believed to be the most striking, stylish and costly. While few can dispute that diamond jewelry offers a bright and stylish appearance, its top position in the world of relationships is what makes it truly extraordinary. While many may think that the diamond's look, permanence or symbolism is the justification for the appeal of diamond jewelry, it's in fact the result of a cunning advertising strategy. The De Beers Company commissioned an enormous marketing campaign that included the tag line "A Diamond is Forever" in 1947. Since then, diamond jewelry remains ingrained within the consciousness of grooms all over the globe as the most meaningful form of jewelry. With billions of dollars in sales, clearly De Beers is doing an amazing job advertising diamonds and diamond jewelry.

The Evolving History of Bridal Jewelry

Weddings are a unique event and bridal jewelry can add a appearance of style to bride and bridesmaids dresses, even so bridal jewelry is much more than simply attractive. Going back to the Roman times, bridal jewelry in the form of an iron ring was worn as a sign of marriage that continued for thousands of years. Over time gold was adopted for use in important ceremonies and traditions like weddings, but forms of bridal jewelry continue to change. Since access to diamonds was historically limited, diamonds were not traditionally used in bridal jewelry until 1477 when Maxmilla of Austria married Mary of Burgundy and presented her with a beautiful diamond betrothal ring. Obviously, bridal jewelry hasn't been the same since...

Natural Pearl Jewelry Sought after by All

The beautiful pearl possesses a fascinating history and its use in pearl jewelry is especially interesting. Generated by shelled mollusks, the ideal pearl is flawlessly round, smooth and lusterous, which explains why some love pearl jewelry. Because of its global acceptance, the natural pearl has been replicated in several ways to handle the desire of the pearl jewelry market. These copies include the farming of cultured pearls in addition to the manufacture of imitations. Regardless, genuine pearls are still the most highly valued and normally come in eight basic shapes for use in pearl jewelry: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque, and circled. Most necklaces use semi-round pearls, earrings make use of the pear shape and pendants often use button pearls. Regardless of one's inclination for varied types and styles, pearl jewelry has something for all.

Birthstone Jewelry: A Biblical Beginning

For those that value a richer meaning in the accessories they wear, birthstone jewelry offers a good blend of style and substance. Despite the fact that the history of birthstones is unclear, mankind has always been drawn to the use of organic materials regarded as sacred or special and birthstone jewelry is a good example. Numerous historians feel that the creation of birthstones arises from the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment thought to have a dozen embedded gemstones considered to be the first instance of birthstone jewelry. No matter if this Old Testament saga is true, these days gemstones of all varieties can be found in birthstone jewelry of all types with meanings as varied as the people that wear it.

Fashion Jewelry Built for Fun

Women and men of all types value jewelry of many forms, yet fashion jewelry is consistently the first to be brushed aside. Sometimes known by the terms costume jewelry and faux jewelry, fashion jewelry was initially encountered in the 1930s as an affordable accessory meant to be worn with a particular outfit. Since it was supposed to be trendy and disposable, fashion jewelry is inconsistent with the conventional idea of jewelry as an identifier of societal class. Meant to be fun, fresh and modern, fashion jewelry is enjoyed by fashionistas of all types seeking to enhance their clothing in an attractive and entertaining way. Furthermore, a large number of famous ladies have popularized fashion jewelry most notably: Coco Chanel, Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis and Audrey Hebburn. As virtually anyone can see, regardless of being less expensive and nontraditional, fashion jewelry deserves a lot more respect as a type of popular expression and decoration.