The infinite world of jewelry has hundreds of thousands of designs, across countless jewelry types. Even before humans learn to wear clothes, they have been wearing jewelry as a symbol of status, wealth, fashion and most recently as an expression of love and commitment. From simple rings (for both girls and guys) to elaborate necklaces, from tiny ear studs to highly exotic body jewelry, adornments have come a long way from their origins thousands of years ago.
Interesting Trivia: Out of every 100 pieces of jewelry sold worldwide, rings perhaps take the lion’s share at 70-75 pieces.
Rings
If we talk about jewelry in general, the first thing that comes to mind is a RING. Yes, the ring worn on the fingers of either hand is the most common and the most popular jewelry item around the world. People of almost every country, culture and religion wear rings in some of the other form. Rings vary from simple metal bands of gold, silver or platinum to the more elaborate creations – rings set with solitaires, intricately set semi-precious or precious stones or diamonds, filigreed large rings, cocktail or party rings, and many more. The list is virtually endless.
Interesting Trivia: Women in the state of Maharashtra in India wear a different type of ring. Popularly known as a “Vichchoo” or scorpion ring, it is worn in the first finger of either leg and is usually a large, elaborately hand-crafted or casted ring.
Earrings
The nzxt most popular jewelry item on the rather long list of jewelry types would be EARRINGS. Just like rings, these ear adornments are also designed to be varied in style and size. Additionally, just like rings, earrings are also worn by both men and women. The range of styles and designs that make up this particular item of jewelry are simply staggering. Single diamond studs, multi-diamond studs, simple loops earrings, danglers are all members of the range of earrings that are forever in fashion.
Pendants
As we move down the popularity categories of jewelry, the next in line would undoubtedly be PENDANTS. The style symbols are usually worn on chains around the neck. Many jewelry designers and retailors sell pendants with matching earrings making it a “Pendant Set”.
Necklaces and Bracelets
While the Western countries prefer their necklaces and bracelets in light and delicate styles, among Asian countries and especially in the Middle East and India, both the necklaces and the bracelets can be really elaborate and heavily designed with gold and diamonds. Traditional yellow gold necklaces are particularly popular in India as they are an inseparable part of the wedding scene. Every bride invariably carries more than one necklace with her as part of her wedding gifts.
Exotic Jewelry Types
Among the more exotic range of jewelry being worn are nose pins and nose rings, upper arm bracelets, rings for belly buttons, lip, eyebrow or other body parts, as well as waist bands and chains.
Hard Fact: India holds the distinction of being the world’s highest consumer of gold, the most widely used metal in jewelry making. The US, on the other hand, is where most of the world’s diamonds are consume
