Posts Tagged ‘Evil Spirits’

A brief history of the wearing of Necklaces for Women

Monday, December 14th, 2009

People have worn jewellery ever since time began including necklaces. Originally the word jewellery itself was anglicised from an old French word “joule” (jewel) but it does also date further back in history and is linked to the latin word plaything. Normally jewellery is made from only precious metals but in the past designers have utilised many other materials including wood, rock and even cloth however silver is still the most common. Throughout time necklaces became more and more elaborate as crafts men developed their skills. The plain and simple evolved into differing styles for men and women.

Necklaces for men are a must have fashion accessory for the modern day urban male. As necklaces were adapted into newer designs there meaning also changed for some people. Some wore them in battle for good luck whilst others used them to warn off evil spirits. A good modern day example of a potent symbol used in jewellery these days would that of the crucifix. Other examples that are used in religion are amulets which again are hung on a chain around the neck. Finally a heart shaped necklace known as a locket can also be looked upon as a symbol of love.

There are three types of necklaces available. The traditional necklace is a single threaded beaded piece or a chain. Men’s necklaces are usually just a chain for example. A pendant is another type of necklace that hangs from a chain or something like a leather thong which is an alternative option to consider. Finally a choker is a wider piece of jewellery and sits tighter around the upper part of the neck.

The most unusual necklaces in the history of mankind must be those that were worn by the Pa Dong Long Neck tribe from Burma. Children were made to wear hoops from an early age around there necks. As the child grew more rings were added until when reaching adult age as many as 28 rings were worn in one go. The rings around the neck give the illusion that the neck is getting longer and stretching. In fact what is really happening is the collar bones are being weighed down over time, forcing them to lower hence more neck length. The women who wear the rings do get to remove them but only on their wedding night. It is hard to imagine the discomfort in this procedure but much neck washing is required. They are then slipped back around the neck after the wedding night is over to remain for the rest of their lives. This is partly due to the neck muscles not being strong enough to support their heads anymore.

It was not only in Burma that the practice of hoop ring around the neck was practised but also in Africa too. The women here were called giraffe women due to the elongated necks they now had. The hoops were worn around not just there necks but also there arms and legs. The brass rings would symbolise her devotion to her husband. It was the responsibility of the husband to provide the rings which also reflected his wealth with more he provided. The rings were only removed after his death as the rings symbolised a bond which was now broken. The practice of wearing brass rings in this way is now dying out as the modern tribes prefer to wear the more usual type of necklaces.

John Lewis runs an line business selling UK made Necklaces.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/a-brief-history-of-the-wearing-of-necklaces-for-women-1580676.html

Baby Jewelry – Pamper Your Little Ones

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

The cutest and most adorable beings on earth are babies. Human or animal, parents eternally tend to give their best to babies. And why not, they are gift of God and priceless gem of their heart.

Since ancient times most precious and desirable belonging of ladies is nothing but jewels. Therefore before the baby comes out of womb not only do parents prepare for each and every necessity of newborn but also mums start the hunt for baby jewelry to adorn and pamper the little ones. Mums need to be extremely cautious while doing that. Baby jewels should be light, soft and comfortable. Too exorbitant jewelry should not be bought for the little ones as it could be accidentally spoilt or lost.

In Indian culture right after birth babies are gifted jewels especially from their grandparents. And the first pieces of jewel they wear are bracelets with black beads to keep the delicate darlings away from evil spirits. Keeping in mind delicate skin and safety also, a gorgeous baby bracelet embedded with colored gemstones with proper clasps and closures could be a very good idea for a newborn. However as the sizing issue comes much earlier gold should be preferred over platinum.

Baby necklace is a keepsake item which is often passed down to generations and reminds of special occasions. A sweet little pendant in shape of teddy bear or chiming heart makes it even more alluring and sentimental. While buying a necklace it is very important to check the security locks and texture of the chain. Another precaution while buying baby necklace is the length which should be comfortable enough but not to be left too loose around neck for baby to take the pendant in mouth or just remove without unlocking it.

One to three years is the appropriate age to get ear piercing done to babies. There is a wide variety one could choose from in baby earrings. However for a year old, studs make the safest choice. Ruby studs in gold or platinum to sapphire, diamond with yellow gold and emeralds could adorn your princess till teenage. For babies touching their third year, hoop earrings are also a great idea. Set of mother and baby studs could be a favorite gift from someone dear.

The movement of naughty toddlers could be tracked easily with jingle bell anklets. Tiny trendsetters love the jingle and become much more active and toddle all around. They are another keepsake for that posh lot.

Mums often pass their own babyhood jewels to kids which reminds them their own beautiful childhood. Babyhood to teenage your princess would surely love to get adorned by jewels. So invest in beauty and sentiment of your little one right from the beginning.

Jewelry is not just in writing but a fascination for me. I grew into it since the day I started my research. There is a lot that one needs to know about jewelry simply because they are so valuable that you cannot afford to miss a single bit. My alliance with online gemstone and jewelry selling website enables me to bring you the best of jewelry fashion and jewelry education.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/baby-jewelry-pamper-your-little-ones-1497556.html

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