In ancient times, a woman was like a walking work of art – bold, radiant and fearlessly displaying her beauty . She adorned herself not to impress others, but to express herself. Each piece of jewelry was not only a detail of beauty, but also a reflection of her status, power and personality.
And now? All around is minimalism. Thin chains, tiny rings, minimalist earrings - it's as if we're trying to take up as little space as possible in this world. When did we start to be afraid or too lazy to decorate? When did the courage to look impressive become a rarity? Why do we hide our personality under simplicity when deep down we want to shine?
In the past, some high society ladies wore jewelry that weighed several kilograms! It wasn't just a fashion statement – it was their way of life, their uniqueness. Archaeological finds from Ancient Egypt, the Mayan civilization, India, and even the Lithuanian principalities show that women loved massive gold, silver, clay, or gemstone-encrusted jewelry. Even accessories intended for everyday wear were ornate and had significance.
Maya women adorned themselves with massive necklaces made of jade and other precious materials . Women wore massive jade jewelry during ritual dances, the total weight of which could reach up to 11 kilograms. For example, a 2 kilogram jade pendant was found at the archaeological site of Ucanal, which was worn during dances. These accessories symbolized social status and religious responsibility.
The ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra was known for her love of large gold jewelry , especially large necklaces and headdresses. These jewelry emphasized a woman's status and had a religious and protective function.
Indian jewelry was distinguished by its massiveness and luxury - rulers and women of the nobility wore heavy gold, precious stone-encrusted necklaces, bracelets and headpieces, weighing even several kilograms. Jewelry was a symbol of beauty and power, often decorated with intricate ornaments and religious motifs. Such items reflected social status and were considered family treasures, passed down from generation to generation.
In Lithuania, we also have a rich history related to massive jewelry . They were an integral part of both everyday life and the culture of the upper class. Our noblewomen and princesses adorned themselves with impressive amber necklaces, which attracted the eye and symbolized their power and influence. Ordinary women usually adorned themselves with clay necklaces, bone, horn and brass jewelry. Women wore bracelets, brooches and rings not only as a beauty accent, but also as amulets with protective power.
One of the most distinguished women in Lithuanian history, Barbora Radvilaitė, was renowned for her beauty and sense of style. Her jewelry collection included rings, gold chains, bracelets, and watches. Barbora Radvilaitė understood that jewelry was more than just an accent of beauty – it signified power, status, and exclusivity. Today, her legendary style and luxury have become an integral part of Lithuanian history, reminding us that expressive and massive jewelry was once a symbol of true feminine strength.
Now let's look at today. Minimalism has become the new fashion, and many women choose small, barely noticeable jewelry. But does this really reflect their inner world? Perhaps many of us hide behind this minimalist label, afraid to stand out and show our true selves.
