“Despite the multitude of extraordinary changes that have taken place in almost every area of life, jewellery is still used for pretty well the same purposes as it has always been.
Primitive man is said to have worn a kind of ornamentation to enhance his sexual attraction as well as provide protection against all manner of disasters, from snakes to evil spirits. Cleopatra used jewels (with a particular fondness for emeralds) to seduce admirers and rivals not only on her body but in her home. They showed off her fabulous wealth and position. Julius Caesar ruled that only the highest born women could wear pearls, which were Rome’s most valued jewels. Not only does our jewellery mean something to each of us, but it also has meaning to those who view us. Jewellery has forever been a currency understood by all.”