by Alix Spooren

Jewellery and body adornment have a long and fascinating history in Western Europe, dating back to the earliest human societies. For thousands of years, people have worn these adornments not only to enhance their appearance but also to express their identity and communicate a certain social status. These items evolved from symbolic objects into explicit status symbols and have always reflected the values, accomplishments, and aspirations of those who wore them.

Body adornments as a symbol of survival successes

In prehistory, archaeological finds bear witness to human creativity. We have evidence that Neanderthals were captivated by the beauty of nature and their connection to the environment as they crafted jewellery from natural materials such as shells, teeth, and bones 130.000 years ago. These primitive ornaments often symbolised hunting and survival successes—a tangible display of the wearer’s skills.

Jewellery as works of art

In the subsequent centuries, particularly during the Renaissance, the function of jewellery expanded. They evolved from symbols of hunting achievements into magnificent works of art that expressed wealth and power. With the help of refined techniques, jewellery came to life by incorporating precious stones, valuable metals, and intricate engravings. Museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrate this evolution as a journey through the history of a changing European culture. Furthermore, Cunningham’s academic study highlights that these objects were not merely fashion items but also carried deep cultural significance, serving as a medium of communication for personal achievements and group identity.

Redefining old custom in a new manner

Today, at GroundJewels, we’re redefining this old custom in a new manner. To us jewellery is not merely an expression method but also a strong method of making a declaration about sustainability and ecological responsibility. Our jewellers work with only sustainable resources; they utilize recycled, reused, and ethically sourced material. When you choose jewellery from GroundJewels, you are part of a circular economy and supporting an ethically responsible value chain. To put such sustainable jewellery on is not simply a fashion decision: it’s a political statement. It demonstrates that you’re making an intentional decision for environmental-friendly solutions and consider carefully the implications of the traditional jewellery industry. By buying things produced in respect for the people and the planet, you’re making a clear statement that sustainability and environmental integrity are no less important than aesthetics and self-expression. 

In this manner, the affluent Western European jewellery and body adornment history brings together tradition of expression and status with a contemporary vision on sustainability and social responsibility. With GroundJewels, you don’t just decorate yourself with a piece of heritage but also pledge to a larger, more sustainable world.