Vintage Beaded Jewelry Looks
Vintage Beaded Jewelry Looks
Vintage jewelry never goes out of style. There's something about vintage jewelry that we can't resist. Perhaps it's the intimacy of it. Jewelry is something we hold close to our hearts, both metaphorically and physically. A piece of jewelry attains profound power in its ability to convey meaning and deep emotions. There's no other accessory or ornament that can harness the same sentimentality as jewelry. Vintage jewelry conveys these same feelings, but on a much deeper level. Jewelry from the past exhibits unattainable beauty and reflects a history and society separate from ours. Owning a piece of vintage jewelry is equivalent to having a looking glass into the past.
Beaded jewelry is some of the most historically rich jewelry; it dates back to the Egyptians, was styled by the flappers of the roaring twenties, and is still beloved today. There isn't another style of jewelry that can match up. In this blog post, we're sharing the wonders of beaded jewelry with you. If you're not ready to style your new (or new to you) piece of vintage beaded jewelry, you will be after reading this post.
History Of Beaded Jewelry
To truly appreciate the magic of beaded jewelry, we need to understand its origins. In 2004, in Tanzania, archaeologists discovered beads made from ostrich eggshell. These beads are estimated to be around 70,000 years old, making them the oldest known jewelry beads.
Ancient Africa
Hand-made jewelry is part of African history and culture. For thousands of years, Ancient Africans wore symbolic necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. For centuries, people used 'trade beads' as a form of currency. Much of the jewelry and bead work ancient Africans wore weren't for style or ornamental purposes. These pieces of jewelry were usually symbolic of religion, status, or used as currency.
The Greeks
The Greeks are known for their legacy in craftsmanship and creation. It's no surprise this rich cultural period includes the fashioning of beads for jewelry. The Greeks exchanged copper and bronze for amber, which they used to fashion into beads for jewelry.
The Egyptians
Ancient African history is enriched in diverse cultures. A country well known for its embellished styles and use of ornate and beautiful things is the Egyptians. Similarly to the Greeks, the Egyptians were partial to beautified ways of dressing and accessorizing. The Egyptians were the first to create beads made using glass and clay. These beads were created for kings and priests and worn to symbolise status and power.
Iconic Beaded Jewelry Fashion Trends
These two popular trends might feel a little closer to home and are a lot easier to attain from your local vintage or thrift store.
The Roaring Twenties
The nineteen-twenties is infamous for its glitz and glam. This iconic decade is still admired and styled by fashion-lovers today. Bead work was, of course, a major element of this famous fashion era. Women in the twenties showcased long pearl necklaces, usually layered over each other and in soft neutral colors.
The Nineties
The nineties are known for numerous reasons: The Spice Girls, grunge fashion, and of course, fun jewelry This iconic decade introduced a new way to wear beads. Instead of sticking to one color and shape, the nineties threw all the rules out the window and made beads fun and carefree. Colorful beaded chokers, reminiscent of the rainbow, statement rings made from brightly patterned bead weaving were all part of this new way to wear beaded jewelry. As the nineties creep further away from us, trendsetters are still clinging on and unwilling to let go. We're bringing back the bright beads and establishing the nineteen-nineties as vintage.
Popular Vintage Beaded Jewelry Looks Today
One of the many wonderful things about the fashion era we’re currently in, is there are no rules. You have the ability to bring any one of these beloved styles and trends back and make a statement. Vintage is subjective; it might mean replicating the styles of ancient civilizations for some, and for others, it might be staying closer to home and styling the fun and flirty nineteen-twenties flapper girl.
If you’re looking to pay homage to a decade past, why not consider investing in vintage jewelry? This jewelry isn’t just beautiful, but it has a history and culture too. Rather than buying brand-new accessories, without any meaning behind them, show your admiration for those who came before and paved the way for the eclectic fashion styles we have today.
Sources-
https://www.coolaboo.com/world-history/ancient-africa/the-history-of-ancient-african-jewelry/
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/beaded-jewelry-trend
