History of Greek Jewellery, With jewellery that dates back to over 3500 years ago, Greece has a rich and long tradition in jewellery making.Just like Egyptians and the Romans, the ancient Greeks too appreciated jewellery. Compared to the jewellery of cultures like Egypt, which was astonishingly elaborate and rich, initially, Greek jewellery was quite understated, pure and inspired by nature. Over time, the designs tended to be more complicated and included the use of various materials.
The History of Greek Jewellery Can Be Divided Into Three Main Stages.
The Bronze Age
Before the bronze age, the greeks created jewellery out of clay, bone, shell, and stone, but metals’ arrival meant they could take their jewellery making skills to the next level. The bronze age involves two main eras: minoan and mycenaean.In this period, the jewellery created is defined by its use of gold with unique techniques such as casting and making wire generally used.The jewellery designs were more complex and elegant at this time. It included pieces like armbands, necklaces and brooches. Jewellery started describing the status, prestige and prosperity of the wearer. At the end of the mycenaean period, the civilisation suddenly collapsed, and greece entered a period of dark ages around 1100 b.C. Jewellery making was minimum at this time, and nothing came out of greece for around 300 years. This finished with the classical period.
Classical Greece Jewellery
The next period of interest is the Classical Greece era which was around 500 B.C. This is recognised as the Golden Age of Greek civilisation. Throughout this era, precious metals like gold and gemstones were utilised.This period’s jewellery is defined by the use of decoration work and thin sheets of gold, which were expertly used to produce delicate and embellished jewellery.
A Modern Gold-plated Replica of an Olive Wreath.
Gold olive wreaths from this time are a great example of how subtle and delicate the jewellery-making was. The olive wreath was the prize for winners in competitions and, prior to this, was created by real olive leaves. For the first time, a winner could be rewarded with a crown of gold.
Hellenistic Period
The Hellenistic period (323-31) was a short but rich period where Greece’s wealth can be seen. Gold and gemstones were used, and eastern attractions can be seen in this era’s designs and jewellery.Amethysts, pearls, turquoise and emeralds were generally used. Cameos were created using sardonyx. The jewellery production from the 3rd century B.C. remained in tradition with that of the classical period. The victories of Alexander the Great in Persia, Asia Minor, and Egypt changed the Greek world in a large way. The Persian Empire got overwhelmed with Greek colonists who ‘Hellenised’ their new neighbours. In return, the Greeks were inspired by the Egyptians and Western Asians in a more comprehensive way than ever before, which can be seen in the jewellery of the 2nd century B.C.
Types of Ancient Greek Jewellery
Greek jewellery includes rings, pendants, brooches, diadems, wreaths, armbands, thigh bands, bracelets, earrings and hair accessories, to name a few.
These jewellery types were created using gold, silver, metal and gemstones. Gemstones were made into Greece from various parts of the world.
Gemstone inlays were generally used in jewellery designs, while casting and hammering were two traditional jewellery-making techniques. Cameos and intaglios were also famous and featured images of gods, people and objects from the natural world.
Also Read:Diamond History
Read More: Greek Religious Jewellery
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the history of Greek jewelry, backed by extensive research and appreciation for the subject. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, allowing me to delve into the intricacies and evolution of Greek jewelry-making techniques and styles. Let's explore the concepts embedded in the provided article about the History of Greek Jewelry.
1. Bronze Age:
- Materials Used: Before the Bronze Age, Greeks utilized materials like clay, bone, shell, and stone for jewelry. With the advent of metals, especially during the Minoan and Mycenaean eras, gold became prominent.
- Techniques: Unique techniques such as casting and wire-making were introduced, leading to more complex and elegant designs.
- Design Evolution: Jewelry during this period included armbands, necklaces, and brooches. It started to signify the status, prestige, and prosperity of the wearer.
2. Classical Greece:
- Golden Age: The Classical Greece era (around 500 B.C.) is considered the Golden Age of Greek civilization.
- Materials: Precious metals like gold and gemstones were extensively used.
- Design Characteristics: Decoration work and thin sheets of gold were employed to create delicate and embellished jewelry.
- Example: Gold olive wreaths symbolize the subtlety and delicacy of jewelry-making during this period. They were awarded as prizes and crafted from real olive leaves.
3. Hellenistic Period:
- Wealth and Influence: The Hellenistic period (323-31 B.C.) showcased Greece's wealth and was influenced by eastern attractions.
- Materials and Gemstones: Gold and gemstones, including amethysts, pearls, turquoise, and emeralds, were widely used.
- Cameos: Sardonyx was used to create cameos featuring images of gods, people, and objects from the natural world.
- Influence of Alexander the Great: Victories of Alexander the Great influenced the Greek world, with Greek colonization and Hellenization of new neighbors.
4. Types of Ancient Greek Jewelry:
- Diverse Range: Greek jewelry encompassed rings, pendants, brooches, diadems, wreaths, armbands, thigh bands, bracelets, earrings, and hair accessories.
- Materials: Gold, silver, metal, and gemstones were commonly used.
- Gemstone Inlays: Gemstones from various parts of the world were used, often inlaid into jewelry designs.
- Techniques: Traditional techniques such as casting and hammering were prevalent. Cameos and intaglios featuring images of gods, people, and the natural world were popular.
The article hints at the intricate interplay of culture, materials, and craftsmanship throughout Greek jewelry history, showcasing a rich evolution from understated designs to more elaborate and diverse styles.
