Jewellery Gallery

The term jewellery properly refers to ornamental objects made of valuable or attractive metals such as gold, silver, platinum copper and brass, often with mounted precious stones including diamonds, emeralds and rubies, along with pearls and a host of semi-precious stones. However, it can also include objects made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials such as hair, feathers, leather, scales, wood, ceramics, metals and minerals.  

Most jewellery made in Islamic countries had ancient Middle Eastern influences, particularly from Anatolia and Persia. Gold and silver were the favoured materials, and decorative techniques used include granulation, where surfaces are decorated with clusters of tiny grains of gold, filigree, the inlay of gems, and cloisonné and champlevé enamel work. Other metalwork techniques were applied in the making of jewellery pieces, such as engraving and niello inlay.

Ornaments for the head or face include crowns, aigrettes, tiaras, earrings and nose rings.  Neck adornments came in the form of collars, chokers, necklaces and pendants; while for the breast there were pectorals, brooches, clasps and buttons.  Jewellery worn on limbs were rings, particularly signet rings used as seals, bracelets, armlets and anklets.  Belts, girdles and chatelaines, linked chains often with attached pendants or scent cases, were worn at the waist.