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Antique Gold

February 19th, 2009 Leave a comment Go to comments

Antique Gold
Antique Gold

The Elegance of Antique Jewelry

The title should in fact be extended further than this: The Elegance of Symbol in Antique Jewelry.

Of all the properties, be it aesthetics or material value, that people, since the dawn of time, have invested in jewelry, the symbol of power is the most important.

Only very few could afford to be adorned with jewelry, so this extravagance is concentrated in upper classes of the civilizations we know. This can be documented from the finds in graves whether they date back to the Bronze Age (2.500 B.C.) or the Middle Ages. Rich graves are better preserved and gold, silver and gems better survive through centuries than leather, wood, textiles, bone, etc. which common people could afford.

All levels of classes are involved in producing jewelry, from the workers in the mines to the jewellers and goldsmiths. We find this to be true whether we talk about the Antiquity or the present.

But also poets, musicians, healers, astronomers, astrologers, painters and philosophers have illustrated the beauty and meaning of gems and jewelry and this narration of culture are shared by all members of society.

These different descriptions and approaches also share the immanent and common purpose that culture invests in meaning: to identify and legitimise power and class differences. Jewelry is always used to signal power, distance, control, prestige, status and place in hierarchy.

Most cultures combine different gems and metals with different level of status, hierarchy, medicine, stars, destiny and the likes.

Symbolic meaning and jewelry also associates power with the beauty, value and magic. Even if each culture intermix and exchange ideas, their cultural representation and different traditions, religion and way of control can be identified through the study of jewelry.

It is the elegance of this symbolic distribution throughout societies, which contribute to the maintenance of hierarchy as culture. As long as all members of a culture love songs and stories about the beauty and bliss of jewelry, they play a role in making symbolic meaning narrated in a meaningful way. Hereby binding together culture, history and hierarchy.

Mountains and gems, find perfection from transparency and beautiful colors. To them belongs the precious stones we so desire: carnelian, jasper, emerald and similar gems. There should be nothing and more beautiful than these”. Plato, Phaedo c. 400 BC.

Plato (427- 347 BC) used precious stones in his dialogue Phaedo to illustrate the future paradise where the soul – freed from the body – exists without disfigurement or disease. He also used gems to illustrate the stars, animals and plants. He believed in his mentor Socrates, when making the use of images of flawless jasper, carnelian and emeralds to render notions of spiritual bliss.

Aristotle (384 – 322 BC) wrote about the power and effect of precious stones and similarly, Theophrastos (370 – 287 BC), a pupil of Aristotle, informed his readers that like Plato, he especially valued emeralds: Some of the stones, for example, jasper and lapis lazuli, are unusual in their appearance, but in addition to its beauty, the emerald most certainly possesses magical powers”.

Antique Jewelry was invested with bliss or magical and healing powers and in the same time they signified status and place in hierarchy. The slave based and stratified societies in the Antique world surely used gold and gems to legitimise dominance, control and exploitation by elegantly referring to the aesthetics and poetic value of gems and workmanship as well as the magical powers embedded in the stones.

The nobles demonstrated status and wealth openly as if it were the most natural thing of the world. In his History of Asia and Europe (c. 130 BC), the Greek historian and geographer Agatharchides of Cnidos writes about the noble residents of Sheba and Gerrha: The furnishings of their houses were made of silver, gold, ivory and precious stones”.

Historical jewelry is thus an interesting subject of study as it helps identifying different cultures and traditions.

The title should in fact be extended further than this: The Elegance of Symbol in Antique Jewelry.

Of all the properties, be it aesthetics or material value, that people, since the dawn of time, have invested in jewelry, the symbol of power is the most important.

Only very few could afford to be adorned with jewelry, so this extravagance is concentrated in upper classes of the civilizations we know. This can be documented from the finds in graves whether they date back to the Bronze Age (2.500 B.C.) or the Middle Ages. Rich graves are better preserved and gold, silver and gems better survive through centuries than leather, wood, textiles, bone, etc. which common people could afford.

All levels of classes are involved in producing jewelry, from the workers in the mines to the jewellers and goldsmiths. We find this to be true whether we talk about the Antiquity or the present.

But also poets, musicians, healers, astronomers, astrologers, painters and philosophers have illustrated the beauty and meaning of gems and jewelry and this narration of culture are shared by all members of society.

These different descriptions and approaches also share the immanent and common purpose that culture invests in meaning: to identify and legitimise power and class differences. Jewelry is always used to signal power, distance, control, prestige, status and place in hierarchy.

Most cultures combine different gems and metals with different level of status, hierarchy, medicine, stars, destiny and the likes.

Symbolic meaning and jewelry also associates power with the beauty, value and magic. Even if each culture intermix and exchange ideas, their cultural representation and different traditions, religion and way of control can be identified through the study of jewelry.

It is the elegance of this symbolic distribution throughout societies, which contribute to the maintenance of hierarchy as culture. As long as all members of a culture love songs and stories about the beauty and bliss of jewelry, they play a role in making symbolic meaning narrated in a meaningful way. Hereby binding together culture, history and hierarchy.

Mountains and gems, find perfection from transparency and beautiful colors. To them belongs the precious stones we so desire: carnelian, jasper, emerald and similar gems. There should be nothing and more beautiful than these”. Plato, Phaedo c. 400 BC.

Plato (427- 347 BC) used precious stones in his dialogue Phaedo to illustrate the future paradise where the soul – freed from the body – exists without disfigurement or disease. He also used gems to illustrate the stars, animals and plants. He believed in his mentor Socrates, when making the use of images of flawless jasper, carnelian and emeralds to render notions of spiritual bliss.

Aristotle (384 – 322 BC) wrote about the power and effect of precious stones and similarly, Theophrastos (370 – 287 BC), a pupil of Aristotle, informed his readers that like Plato, he especially valued emeralds: Some of the stones, for example, jasper and lapis lazuli, are unusual in their appearance, but in addition to its beauty, the emerald most certainly possesses magical powers”.

Antique Jewelry was invested with bliss or magical and healing powers and in the same time they signified status and place in hierarchy. The slave based and stratified societies in the Antique world surely used gold and gems to legitimise dominance, control and exploitation by elegantly referring to the aesthetics and poetic value of gems and workmanship as well as the magical powers embedded in the stones.

The nobles demonstrated status and wealth openly as if it were the most natural thing of the world. In his History of Asia and Europe (c. 130 BC), the Greek historian and geographer Agatharchides of Cnidos writes about the noble residents of Sheba and Gerrha: The furnishings of their houses were made of silver, gold, ivory and precious stones”.

Historical jewelry is thus an interesting subject of study as it helps identifying different cultures and traditions.

Hindi Songs - My "Old Is Gold" Collection

NWT Multi Chain Antique Gold Plated Juicy Couture Punk Bracelet $98 Gorgeous
NWT Multi Chain Antique Gold Plated Juicy Couture Punk Bracelet $98 Gorgeous
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CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Blue Crystal Antique Gold GP N1530
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Blue Crystal Antique Gold GP N1530
Paypal   US $.99
Antique Rose Yellow Gold Pearl Brooch GF Bow Brooch Van Dell Watch Hanger
Antique Rose Yellow Gold Pearl Brooch GF Bow Brooch Van Dell Watch Hanger
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Antique Gold Filled 1941 Fob Pendant Script Contest Goddess Cameo
Antique Gold Filled 1941 Fob Pendant Script Contest Goddess Cameo
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN HAND CARVED SHELL CAMEO 14K W GOLD FILIGREE BROOCH PIN PENDANT
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN HAND CARVED SHELL CAMEO 14K W GOLD FILIGREE BROOCH PIN PENDANT
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CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Purple Crystal Antique Gold GP N1522
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Purple Crystal Antique Gold GP N1522
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 9ct rose gold unusual link albert watch chain 395 cm long
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 9ct rose gold unusual link albert watch chain 395 cm long
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Green Crystal Vintage ST Antique Gold GP CAMEO pendant necklace n1503
Green Crystal Vintage ST Antique Gold GP CAMEO pendant necklace n1503
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ANTIQUE VICTORIAN STYLE 9CT GOLD METAL CORE LADIES BANGLE
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN STYLE 9CT GOLD METAL CORE LADIES BANGLE
Paypal   US $164.33
VINTAGE ANTIQUE WATERMANS MECHANICAL PENCIL PEN OLD FILIGREE GOLD RARE NICE
VINTAGE ANTIQUE WATERMANS MECHANICAL PENCIL PEN OLD FILIGREE GOLD RARE NICE
Paypal   US $15.65
Old Vtg Antique Collectible Swank Black And Gold Square Cuff Links
Old Vtg Antique Collectible Swank Black And Gold Square Cuff Links
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Antique Hand Painted Bavaria Plate handpainted Bavarian Gold Gilt
Antique Hand Painted Bavaria Plate handpainted Bavarian Gold Gilt
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Antique Hand Painted France Plate handpainted gold gilt
Antique Hand Painted France Plate handpainted gold gilt
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CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Brown Crystal Antique Gold GP N1529
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Brown Crystal Antique Gold GP N1529
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Smoky Agate Gemstone Antique Gold GP Vintage ST Bracelet gi345
Smoky Agate Gemstone Antique Gold GP Vintage ST Bracelet gi345
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Vintage 1940s Antique Mustard Gold Pearl Swarovski Sterling Silver Earrings
Vintage 1940s Antique Mustard Gold Pearl Swarovski Sterling Silver Earrings
Paypal   US $10.37
Antique Porcelain Mermaid w Umbrellas Wall Hanging Plaques Gold Gilded Painted
Antique Porcelain Mermaid w Umbrellas Wall Hanging Plaques Gold Gilded Painted
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Antique Hand Painted Haviland Limoges France Plate gold gilt pink flowers
Antique Hand Painted Haviland Limoges France Plate gold gilt pink flowers
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Gold Antique Tone Mechanical Pocket Watch W Chain Free
Gold Antique Tone Mechanical Pocket Watch W Chain Free
Paypal   US $.01
ANTIQUE ART DECO Whiting Davis MESH BAG PURSE Gold Silver design Enameled Frame
ANTIQUE ART DECO Whiting Davis MESH BAG PURSE Gold Silver design Enameled Frame
Paypal   US $36.00
Brown Crystal Vintage ST Antique Gold GP CAMEO pendant necklace n1502
Brown Crystal Vintage ST Antique Gold GP CAMEO pendant necklace n1502
Paypal   US $.99
Antique Moriage Vase Handle 13 Royal Bonn Wild Rose Wehlem Gold Gild Mark 1755
Antique Moriage Vase Handle 13 Royal Bonn Wild Rose Wehlem Gold Gild Mark 1755
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Antique Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring SIZABLE Size 7
Antique Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring SIZABLE Size 7
Paypal   US $449.00
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Grey Crystal Antique Gold GP N1521
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Grey Crystal Antique Gold GP N1521
Paypal   US $.99
Antique Hand Painted Plate Limoges handpainted gold gilt
Antique Hand Painted Plate Limoges handpainted gold gilt
Paypal   US $127.50
Antique Wooden Gold Scale
Antique Wooden Gold Scale
Paypal   US $75.00
ANTIQUE HALF AND FULL GOLD SOVEREIGN COIN SCALE GAGE
ANTIQUE HALF AND FULL GOLD SOVEREIGN COIN SCALE GAGE
Paypal   US $49.99
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Green Crystal Antique Gold GP N1528
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Green Crystal Antique Gold GP N1528
Paypal   US $.99
Simulated CZ White Diamond Rare Garnet Earring Set Gold Plated Antique E97
Simulated CZ White Diamond Rare Garnet Earring Set Gold Plated Antique E97
   US $22.34
Antique VICTORIAN old rose Gold gp Swirl knot vine PIN
Antique VICTORIAN old rose Gold gp Swirl knot vine PIN
Paypal   US $12.00
Antique Hand Painted Limoges Plate handpainted gold gilt
Antique Hand Painted Limoges Plate handpainted gold gilt
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Antique Art Deco Cathedral Art Metal Co CAMCO Pocket Watch Chain Rose Gold Fill
Antique Art Deco Cathedral Art Metal Co CAMCO Pocket Watch Chain Rose Gold Fill
Paypal   US $23.50
Antique Hand Painted JPL Limoges Plate handpainted gold gilt
Antique Hand Painted JPL Limoges Plate handpainted gold gilt
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Antique Necklace Lucite Beads 3 Strands w Gold Accents Bow Clasp EXL Cond
Antique Necklace Lucite Beads 3 Strands w Gold Accents Bow Clasp EXL Cond
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2012 New Popular Fashion Owl Ring Rhinestone Rare Head Ring Antique Gold Plated
2012 New Popular Fashion Owl Ring Rhinestone Rare Head Ring Antique Gold Plated
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Blue Crystal Vintage ST Antique Gold GP CAMEO pendant necklace n1501
Blue Crystal Vintage ST Antique Gold GP CAMEO pendant necklace n1501
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Antique Signed Quail Scalloped 9 1 4 Plate Gold Decorated Hand Painted
Antique Signed Quail Scalloped 9 1 4 Plate Gold Decorated Hand Painted
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Antique Hand Painted Bavaria Footed Dish handpainted Bavarian roses gold
Antique Hand Painted Bavaria Footed Dish handpainted Bavarian roses gold
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ANTIQUE OTTOMAN TURKISH GOLD HAND EMBROIDERED VELVET JACKET
ANTIQUE OTTOMAN TURKISH GOLD HAND EMBROIDERED VELVET JACKET
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antique Estate Chinese green Jadeite JADE PENDANT deer monkey carving gold 14k
antique Estate Chinese green Jadeite JADE PENDANT deer monkey carving gold 14k
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ANTIQUE OTTOMAN TURKISH GOLD METALLIC HAND EMBROIDERED TOWEL
ANTIQUE OTTOMAN TURKISH GOLD METALLIC HAND EMBROIDERED TOWEL
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Antique Hand Painted GDA France Platter handpainted gold gilt
Antique Hand Painted GDA France Platter handpainted gold gilt
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Antique Necklace 2 Strands Glass Gold Metal Beads w Matching Earrings EXL
Antique Necklace 2 Strands Glass Gold Metal Beads w Matching Earrings EXL
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ANTIQUE GOLD BROWN HANDMADE WEDDING INVITATION
ANTIQUE GOLD BROWN HANDMADE WEDDING INVITATION
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CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Pink Crystal Antique Gold GP N1527
CAMEO Stud Earrings Vintage st Pink Crystal Antique Gold GP N1527
Paypal   US $.99
ANTIQUE VINTAGE Petit Point FLORAL Compact Gold Mesh Bottom NICE CONDITION LOOK
ANTIQUE VINTAGE Petit Point FLORAL Compact Gold Mesh Bottom NICE CONDITION LOOK
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ANTIQUE VINTAGE CREAM Guilloche Enamel Compact ROSE Gold Mesh Bottom LOOOOOOOK
ANTIQUE VINTAGE CREAM Guilloche Enamel Compact ROSE Gold Mesh Bottom LOOOOOOOK
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ANTIQUE VINTAGE DORSET FIFTH AVENUE VERY NICE CONDITION GOLD COLOR W BLK LEAVES
ANTIQUE VINTAGE DORSET FIFTH AVENUE VERY NICE CONDITION GOLD COLOR W BLK LEAVES
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Gold Tennis Pin Antique
Gold Tennis Pin Antique
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Antique Hayward Gold Filled Bracelet Florals Fruit 1 Wide Snap Closure w Chain
Antique Hayward Gold Filled Bracelet Florals Fruit 1 Wide Snap Closure w Chain
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Antique Hand Painted Bavaria Dish handpainted plate Gold Gilt
Antique Hand Painted Bavaria Dish handpainted plate Gold Gilt
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RN097BL Gold Tone Antique Inspired Swarovski Rhinestone Luxury Adjustable Ring
RN097BL Gold Tone Antique Inspired Swarovski Rhinestone Luxury Adjustable Ring
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Old Vtg Antique Collectible Gold And Silver Beer Stein Tie Clip
Old Vtg Antique Collectible Gold And Silver Beer Stein Tie Clip
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antique stemware champange glasses heisey Fostoria clear pattern gold trimmed
antique stemware champange glasses heisey Fostoria clear pattern gold trimmed
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antique cup saucer Hartford Bone China cups Royal small gold trim on white
antique cup saucer Hartford Bone China cups Royal small gold trim on white
Paypal   US $4.00
Old Vtg Antique Collectible Knot Gold Pair Of Earrings And Pin Set
Old Vtg Antique Collectible Knot Gold Pair Of Earrings And Pin Set
Paypal   US $.99
Antique Necklace w 5 Large Amber Quartz Stones Gold Chain w Rhinesones EXL Cond
Antique Necklace w 5 Large Amber Quartz Stones Gold Chain w Rhinesones EXL Cond
Paypal   US $9.99
Floral Looking Crystal Rhinestone Antique Gold Tone Metal Stretch Cuff Bracelet
Floral Looking Crystal Rhinestone Antique Gold Tone Metal Stretch Cuff Bracelet
Paypal   US $16.50
Sunflowerl Looking Crystal Antique Gold Tone Metal Stretch Cuff Bracelet Bangle
Sunflowerl Looking Crystal Antique Gold Tone Metal Stretch Cuff Bracelet Bangle
Paypal   US $16.50
Antique Gold Tone Flowers Hook Earrings With Rhinestone
Antique Gold Tone Flowers Hook Earrings With Rhinestone
Paypal   US $13.99
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