Jewelry Through Cultures: A Journey of Stories, Symbols, and Style
Jewelry Through Cultures is more than adornment — it is identity, legacy, and memory passed through generations.
Across continents and centuries, every culture shaped its own way of wearing beauty, weaving history, meaning, and emotion into every piece.
Let’s take you on a global journey, where jewelry is more than sparkle — it’s soul.
Africa: The Origin of Adornment
Africa is often considered the birthplace of jewelry. From Ancient Egypt to the Maasai, jewelry across cultures in Africa symbolized protection, status, and spirituality.
- Ancient Egyptians believed gold and silver held divine power. Scarabs, ankhs, and sun motifs represented eternal life.
- The Tuareg of North Africa are known for bold silver jewelry etched with protective geometric symbols.
Modern inspiration: matte silver finishes mixed with tribal heritage patterns.
See The Met Museum’s Ancient Egyptian jewelry collection.
The Middle East: Elegance in Meaning
In Arab cultures, jewelry is deeply personal — often gifted during weddings, births, and family milestones.
Symbols like the evil eye, hamsa hand, and Arabic calligraphy were designed to protect and bless the wearer.
Silver remains essential, especially in Bedouin traditions, where handmade pieces are passed down through generations.
Modern echo: jewelry that celebrates femininity, heritage, and protection.
Asia: Beauty in Belief
In Asia, jewelry blends spirituality with artistry.
- In India, the maang tikka symbolizes the third eye, while silver bangles and anklets are worn daily for energy flow.
- In China and Japan, lotus flowers, orchids, and dragons are crafted into jewelry as symbols of strength and harmony.
A quiet power: jewelry as a bridge between beauty and balance.
Discover Asian jewelry traditions at the British Museum.
Europe: From Royalty to Runway
Europe’s jewelry evolved from royal extravagance to contemporary minimalism.
- During the Renaissance, pearls, gemstones, and filigree symbolized wealth and power.
- Today, European design favors sleek silhouettes, layering, and heirloom-inspired pieces.
Takeaway: the elegance of contrast — bold yet timeless.
Jewelry as a Global Language
Across time, Jewelry Through Cultures has always carried meaning.
Whether it’s a silver ring passed down generations or a pendant shaped like a cultural symbol, jewelry is never just fashion.
It’s a memory.
It’s a message.
It’s a part of who we are.
At Reem Jano, We Design for the Soulful Explorer
At Reem Jano, our creations are inspired by Jewelry Through Cultures — reimagined for the modern muse.
From desert-inspired silver to minimalist talismans, our jewelry carries meaning across borders and lifetimes.
✨ Wear your story. Embrace the journey. Discover beauty beyond trends.