Jewellery

Earrings

Once worn only by the wealthiest as proof of their social status, as well as serving as amulets. Most often made of gold, studded with precious stones and handed down from generation to generation, either by inheritance or as a token of appreciation. Today, a man or a few-year-old girl wearing earrings is nothing that comes as a shock. However, few of us know that this piece of jewellery has a turbulent history. The very Julius Caesar wore earrings, and an ear not accessorized with an earring was a sign of weakness in the time of the pharaohs. In medieval times, the church strictly forbade wearing earrings. From then on, they became the domain of rascals, thieves, and outlaws. It took almost two thousand years to put an end to their bad reputation! In Enlightenment, which was dominated by short hair do’s, earrings were back in vogue again, taking intricate forms, heavily studded with coloured stones such as sapphires and rubies. Nowadays, jewellery salons offer thousands of models of earrings, with a stick post, with English clasp or clips dedicated to opponents of ear piercing. Of small shapes, elongated, geometric without stones or intricate arrangements combining ores and colourful stones - everything you need to draw the attention of others to your ears.

Bracelets

There is no more diverse piece of jewellery than bracelets. From the simplest string or wood models, to exclusive, thick and heavy weaves studded with diamonds. Wearing a bracelet can also have a distinct cultural meaning and even a purpose! Dating back to antiquity and looking at the sculptures from that period, we can easily notice that almost every woman's wrist is adorned with a bracelet. Wide cuff bracelets featuring acanthus patterns or the characteristic jewellery of Cleopatra - a coiled up snake. Richly inlaid bracelets were offered to deities to thank for successful crops, and also placed in tombs of pharaohs to ensure their wealth in the afterlife. Bracelets were supposed to mean not only wealth and high social status, but they were also to serve as symbols of being graced by god's care or amulets against bad intentions of people from the closest surroundings. Therefore, a Kabbalah inspired bracelet - a red string tied on the left wrist, gained great popularity. A yellow "Live Strong" gel bracelet is worn as a sign of support for the Lance Armstrong foundation, founded just after the athlete had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Charm bracelets with symbolic pendants allow the wearer to manifest aspects of life that are important to him. In addition to their mystical meanings, bracelets also make a great idea for a gift. They are tokens of affection and appreciation, and choosing a set of matching bracelets shows our declaration of being close to somebody.

Rings and signet rings

When we hear the word "ring", we usually think of a symbol of declaration of love - an engagement ring. However, let’s not forget about other pieces, such as men's rings and signets. The word pierścionek (Eng. - ring) comes from the Proto-Slavic pĭrst meaning ‘finger’. Along with the name, its meaning as well as shapes and forms have evolved. From the simplest Egyptian hoops made of wire, through rings with a perfect engraving of a coat of arms used to seal important documents and letters, to a symbol of position or duty. Today, rings are usually just exclusive jewellery that we keenly put on our hands to make them stand out.

Necklaces, chains and pendants

The best way to accentuate your neckline is to wear necklaces, chains and pendants. They are made of a number of materials, although in the case of premium jewellery, they are most often gold, silver or platinum. A necklace, put simply, is a combination of a chain and a pendant. They can be either one piece or you can exchange the pendant for a different one. Chains differ in both the precious metal which they are made of and the type of weave. From the most classic anchor weave, through more intricate cord and fox tail weaves, to the most complicated ones - ear or popcorn weavings. Although a chain with a pendant as a gift is most associated with religious events, it is also worth reaching for it when looking for a birthday or wedding anniversary gift.