While European jewelry designs tended to be more classical, Asian artisans were continually innovating and experimenting with new techniques. These craftsmen have produced some of the world's most intriguing and creative jewels, and their creations are renowned for their craftsmanship. A quick glance at various auction sites will reveal an astounding array of vintage and contemporary Asian pieces. The diversity and quality of this unique jewelry is also one of the reasons that it continues to increase in popularity.
The Southeast Asian region produced some of the most beautiful jewelry in the world, including jewelry made from elephant ivory, hornbill tusks, and boar tusks. The Southeast Asian countries also imported rock crystal and glass beads, and many of their pieces feature gemstones. The materials used in Southeast Asian jewels range from glass to rock crystal. A few of the more popular gemstones found in Southeast Asia are agate, amber, and emerald.
After the collapse of the Communist regime in the late 1800s, Asian art began to influence fashion. Japan's new rulers introduced Japanese-style items to the West. These items were then dissembled into Western-style pieces, with the result that their styles and colors have changed considerably. Today, the Asian style of jewelry is as diverse as its history and heritage. During the 1950s, jewelry became more accessible to the general public, and the number of shoppers grew exponentially.
Early Chinese jewelry was adorned with decorative plaques, as well as variously spaced beads. It is also used to decorate headdresses. The Chinese were known for their metalwork, and their jewelry was often made of gold and silver. The art of making jewelry in this region displays the skill and craftsmanship of their craftsmen. A common person wearing an item of Chinese gold would wear it with pride. The pieces of gold and silver in ancient times would have been considered a symbol of luxury, but today they are cherished as part of a culture's identity.
The design of these pieces varies according to the region. In the South, the mangrove root was shaped like a cone. A piece of mangrove root can be used to create bracelets and necklaces. An intricate ring made of gold or silver can be created by forcing the roots into circular shapes. Traditional Indian jewelry is often found on the head of a noblewoman. It was popular in the Middle Ages, but the Chinese still made jewelry.
Ethnic and religious beliefs vary in Southeast Asia. Some people wear tiaras and other ornaments to express their spiritual beliefs. During the Song dynasty, the peoples of Southeast Asia also practice Buddhism and Hinduism. It is a culturally diverse region, and the jewelry found there is as diverse as the people. The most traditional types of Asian jewelry include: Silk woven necklaces, bone pendants, and gold brooches.
Ancient China has a long history of personal adornment. There were numerous women in the ancient world who did not wear jewelry and their culture was dominated by Taoism. However, women wore necklaces and bracelets of silver. Their clothing and adornments were based on the Tao Te Ching, which stresses the union of man with nature. The Chinese dynasty was the first to make jewelry a serious part of their culture.
During the mid-8th century BCE, the Chinese had carved animal heads on their bangles and necklaces. The sculpted headpieces were often adorned with a gold or silver pectoral, a small pendant. Other ancient jewelry pieces included horned griffins and swans, as well as a pectoral, a type of pendant. In the early twentieth century, the Chinese began to use silver.
The Japanese have always loved blue. It was a common color in their weaponry, and they used it in their jewelry. The use of blue was widespread in jewelry during this period, and the color was sometimes incorporated into the material itself. For instance, the jade in the Three Kingdoms became popular and Mikimoto was a global sensation. This tradition continues to this day, with the use of various materials. In addition to white and yellow gold, Asian style jewelry is a beautiful expression of individuality.
The Chinese Han Dynasty had four command posts in Korea, including Seoul. During this time, gold pendants were popularly worn as earrings and hung from crowns. During the Three Kingdoms' competitive nature, the Three Kingdoms embraced Chinese jewelry and brought it into their society. In this period, it is thought that silversmiths learned to make gold pendants from the Chinese. In addition, Koreans began to wear jewelry much later than their European counterparts, and they have been wearing it ever since. For antique asian jewelry visit Asian jewelry website .