Jewelry

Jewelry has been used across time to define a person’s membership in a group or clan or family. Crowns, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and pins represent different tribes, religions, political movements, and even subgroups in society. For this activity do some research and find three different types of jewelry that define a group. Ancient jewelry practices continue to today’s modern trends connecting jewelry to specific definition groups.

How is jewelry made? Jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes. It is formed, drawn, molded, cast, constructed, poured, welded. Research and make a list of the many processes for making jewelry. Then construct a list of the many different materials like precious stones or recycled beads or wires that jewelers use. For this activity study design and construction of earrings. Find three different types of jewelry production. (Think weaving, beading, and silversmithing, etc.) Look at single artistic creations as well as mass produced jewelry for retail. Jewelry production differs culture to culture, so make sure to look at at least one different culture different than your own.

Jewelers use dyes created by nature to color jewelry. The beauty of nature and nature patterns continue to inspire designers. Many of the precious jewels and pearls used in the production of jewelry come from the earth directly. For this activity use a piece of nature, such as a leaf or a seashell or an acorn, to design a necklace. Use a pencil and paper to draw three different ideas and pick one for the next activity.

You can make jewelry out of anything! Using your favorite design from the last activity create a piece of jewelry from common household items. Anything lying around the house can work. Use recycled materials to make a unique piece of jewelry.

• What is one of the primary purposes of jewelry in human culture?
  • To serve as currency
  • To enhance physical performance
  • To express cultural identity and emotion
  • To preserve historical documents
• What is a common purpose of jewelry across different societies and time periods?
  • To serve as a universal language
  • To identify a person’s membership in a group or clan
  • To improve physical health
  • To ensure long-term wealth
• What is a distinguishing feature of bracelets compared to necklaces?
  • They are made exclusively of metal
  • They do not use patterns or designs
  • They are only made for special events
  • They are shorter and typically worn on the wrist or ankle
• Which of the following is NOT a common method of jewelry production?
  • Baking
  • Welding
  • Casting
  • Molding