From Caves to Catwalks: The Origins of Jewellery and Why We Adorn Ourselves
The urge to decorate and express ourselves is as old as humanity itself. Jewellery, in particular, has been a cornerstone of human culture for tens of thousands of years. But when did our ancestors first start wearing it? What sparked the transformation from practical survival to creative expression? From dwelling in caves and hunting and gathering for the next meal to wearing jewels to impress the neighbours, let’s journey back in time to uncover the fascinating story behind humanity’s oldest art form.
The First Spark: When Did Jewellery Begin?
The earliest evidence of jewellery dates back over 100,000 years. Archaeologists have discovered perforated shells in Morocco (debated whether they are seashells or snailshells), believed to be strung into necklaces or bracelets. These ancient adornments weren’t just decorative—they were likely used as symbols of status, identity, or even spiritual beliefs.
Believed to be the world’s oldest jewellery, these shells were found by archeologists in a Moroccan cave between 2014 and 2018. It’s unclear if they are snail or seashells but they appear to be perforated as if they were strung together somehow.
Image and details courtesy of the Smithsonian Magazine.
Fast-forward to 75,000 years ago, and we find more advanced jewellery-making in South Africa. Tiny snail shells, intricately drilled and arranged, demonstrate an early mastery of tools and aesthetics. Even at this stage, humans were more than hunters and gatherers—they were storytellers, using jewellery to convey meaning.
Materials of the Past: What Did Early Humans Use?
Before diamonds, gold, and silver became the ultimate symbols of luxury, early humans relied on what was readily available: bones, teeth, feathers, and stones. These materials weren’t just picked for convenience—they carried symbolic weight. For example, a piece of carved ivory might represent power, while an animal tooth could signify a successful hunt.
This image is of a piece of jewellery made from an animal tooth. The piece belonged to my Grandfather, who was in the military and travelled extensively. Unfortunately, I have no idea which animal the tooth comes from or where he bought it, but I know it is set in silver and has an aura of power and independence.
Other than feathers that have fallen naturally from a bird, I am not a fan of using animal parts in jewellery but doing so has been used significantly throughout human history.
It wasn’t until much later, during the Neolithic period (around 8,000 BCE), that humans began to explore more permanent materials like amber, jet, and even rudimentary metals. This shift coincided with the development of agriculture, which allowed communities to settle and refine their craft.
Amber is a natural preservative. In this example, you can clearly see a perfectly in tact mosquito that is perhaps thousands of years old. Finding amber samples like this has become surprisingly common.
Image courtesy of iStock - 1059605576 Author.
Why Jewellery? The Meaning Behind Adornment
So why did humans begin wearing jewellery in the first place? The reasons are as varied as the cultures that created them:
Identity and Status: Early jewellery often marked tribal affiliations or social status. Wearing a particular necklace might signify leadership or a connection to the divine.
Protection: Many ancient societies believed jewellery could ward off evil spirits or bring good fortune. Amulets and talismans were among the first forms of wearable jewellery.
Beauty and Attraction: Let’s not forget the timeless desire to beautify oneself. Even our cave-dwelling ancestors likely enjoyed the aesthetic value of a shiny shell or colourful bead.
Precious Beginnings: The Discovery of Gems and Metals
The idea of "preciousness" in jewellery emerged as humans discovered rare and beautiful materials. Around 4,000 BCE, civilisations in Mesopotamia and Egypt began mining gold, shaping it into stunning pieces. Simultaneously, gemstones like turquoise, lapis lazuli, and carnelian were prized for their vibrant hues and mystical qualities.
In Egypt, jewellery was more than ornamentation—it was an essential part of their beliefs about the afterlife. The famous scarab amulets and intricately crafted gold necklaces were designed to accompany their wearers into eternity.
Image courtesy of iStock - 1139301942 Credit:JelenaSkundric
The Evolution of Jewellery: From Necessity to Art
As societies advanced, so did jewellery-making techniques. By the Bronze Age, artisans could smelt metals and set gemstones, creating functional and beautiful pieces. The Roman Empire popularised rings, brooches, and earrings, while medieval Europe brought elaborate designs for religious purposes and courtly love.
Today, jewellery continues to serve as a symbol of personal identity, cultural heritage, and artistic expression. From the hand-knotted beadwork of indigenous communities to the sleek designs of modern artisans, the spirit of self-adornment remains unchanged.
Why We Still Wear Jewellery
Whether it’s a family heirloom or a statement piece, jewellery connects us to our past, present, and future. It tells a story—of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we value.
At Elara Crafts, we honour this rich tradition by creating timeless pieces using recycled metals, semi-precious stones, and repurposed materials. Each design is a nod to our shared history while celebrating individuality.
What does jewellery mean to you? Let us know and explore our collection to find a piece that resonates with your story.