Jewelry (or jewellery) refers to decorative items worn for personal adornment. These items can be made from a variety of materials, including precious metals (such as gold, silver, and platinum), gemstones (such as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires), and other materials like beads, shells, or glass. Jewelry is often used to enhance one’s appearance, signify social or personal status, or symbolize significant life events or beliefs.
Common types of jewelry include:
- Rings: Worn on fingers, often symbolizing marriage or engagement.
- Necklaces: Worn around the neck, ranging from simple chains to elaborate pendants.
- Earrings: Worn on the earlobes, available in various styles such as studs, hoops, and dangles.
- Bracelets: Worn around the wrist, can be rigid or flexible.
- Brooches: Decorative pins worn on clothing.
- Anklets: Worn around the ankle.
- Cufflinks: Decorative fasteners for shirt cuffs, primarily worn by men.
- Pendants: Small decorative items that hang from a chain or necklace.
- Charms: Small decorative items often attached to bracelets or necklaces.
- Tiara and Crowns: Decorative headpieces often associated with royalty or special occasions.
Jewelry can also have cultural, religious, or sentimental significance, serving as heirlooms or as part of traditional attire.