Pieces of jewellery are not just simple accessories. They are more and have always been more. People have seen them as symbols of wealth, social status and luxury. Jewels have even influenced the way people are seen or treated by others.
Over the years, these pieces have become quite noticeable in the media as well. They often play a significant role when someone wants to emphasise the idea of power and wealth.
Historical Significance of Jewels as Symbols of Wealth
Jewellery has always been seen as a sign of wealth. For the Egyptians and the Romans, for instance, jewels were used as royal marks, in religious ceremonies and even as legacies. Regardless of their use, jewellery pieces would represent the power and social position of the one wearing them. In Ancient Egypt, for example, gold was rare and thus very valuable.
Jewellery pieces made of gold were very often buried along with the owner when they died. The reason behind this action was simple: the owner got to carry their gold in the afterlife with them.
Jewels in Movies: Glittering Symbols of Desire and Power
The cinema industry uses jewellery quite often to symbolise desire. The “Heart of the Ocean” necklace from the Titanic, for example, is a movie in which jewels play a big part. That blue piece of jewellery influenced the public’s perception of gems. It even left a significant mark on the fashion industry, too.
High-stakes gambling has long been associated with the allure of jewels and other luxurious accessories. Casinos, in particular, have capitalised on this connection, using lavish displays of wealth to create an air of exclusivity. Every aspect of the casino experience screams opulence, from the crystal chandeliers adorning the gaming floor to the tuxedo-clad dealers. This is no accident – casinos understand that the trappings of wealth are as much a part of the draw as the promise of big payouts.
The tradition of extravagance continues today, especially within an elite gambling establishment. Visitors to high-end London casinos, for instance, are expected to don their finest jewels and most stylish attire, lest they risk being viewed with scepticism by the staff and fellow patrons. The message is clear: to truly belong in this rarefied world, one must be adorned in the symbols of prosperity.
Cultural and Social Implications
Many cultures viewed jewellery as more than symbols of wealth. They were considered markers of social status and even personal values. Their role when it comes to marriage, legacy, and inheritance is really big. This is why many families pass specific rings or necklaces down from generation to generation. Not only do their values increase with time, but they also strengthen the family’s bonds through time.
The Craftsmanship Behind Luxury
The handicraft and craftmanship behind the design of luxurious jewels is the key to creating unique pieces. The rarity of the materials used is really important. However, the designs and creativity of the creators have a huge impact on the value of the final piece. In time, even the very name of the creator has begun to play a huge role in establishing how much something is worth. Probably the best example is Peter Carl Fabergé. His famous Fabergé eggs have been estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars.
Modern Representations of Jewellery as a Luxury Symbol
Nowadays, jewellery is still seen as a symbol of luxury. It’s one of the reasons why social media is so full of various such creations. The fact that celebrities and influencers keep promoting them also plays a big part in how the public sees them.
Over the years, jewellery managed to keep a profound connection between the past and the present. Thus, at some point, at least to some people, the trends set by the media become irrelevant. However, something will never change: with time, the value of all pieces grows, regardless of whether we’re talking about financial or emotional value.
