| Evolution of the Jewelry Trade | | | | metal industry in the 1890s with the first jewelry |
| The jewelry trade had its humble beginning in the | | | | store opening at the beginning of the 19th century. |
| days of the caveman. Today it is a massive and | | | | The 20th century ushered in machines which created |
| flourishing industry. Jewelry is worn with everything | | | | jewelry and mass production began in manufacturing |
| from jeans and sneakers to elegant evening wear. | | | | plants. Jewelry became more available and more |
| How it all began is quite an interesting story. | | | | affordable. New York City is still the headquarters in |
| Earliest forms of jewelry were worn by cavemen. | | | | the United States for the leading designers and |
| Their jewelry was crudely fashioned of sea shells as | | | | artisans. |
| well as animal teeth, claws or bones. Graves of | | | | During the mid 1900s jewelry artists began designing |
| prehistoric people have revealed beaded jewelry as | | | | and creating their own specials lines of jewelry. These |
| well as jewelry made of ivory, wood or metal. | | | | are sold in up-scale stores, boutiques or galleries. |
| Studies of the ancient Egyptians revealed well-crafted | | | | Today, jewelry is available in specialty jewelry stores, |
| jewelry. The Egyptians were probably the first to | | | | department stores, mall kiosks, craft shows, etc. |
| combine gemstones with gold or precious metals. The | | | | The Internet and television shopping channels also |
| priests of Bible days wore breastplates made with | | | | claim a large portion of jewelry sales. |
| rows of diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones. | | | | Many celebrities now have their own line of jewelry. |
| Workers who made implements or weapons for | | | | These are mostly sold on television or up-scale |
| battle became the first jewelry craftsmen. | | | | department stores. Usually the designs are |
| As they worked with metals to make the | | | | high-fashion and elaborately crafted. |
| implements of war, they discovered the fine art of | | | | Jewelry is worn by men, women and children of all |
| using the metals to create precious jewelry. | | | | ages. It has become increasingly popular. There is |
| The jewelry trade came to American with the first | | | | always joy in giving jewelry to mark major occasions |
| settlers. An artisan could repair a broken farm | | | | such as engagements, weddings, birth of a child, |
| implement, a wagon wheel or fashion a wedding ring. | | | | anniversaries, etc. Jewelry will be around for eternity. |
| New York City became the leader of the precious | | | | |