The jewelry designed by the Romans had influences from the Etruscan and the Greeks, but it also included a lot of symbols relevant to those times, to the beliefs and social statute of the wearer. Also, Romans were some of the first jewelry designers to attach colored gems and stones to their pieces. They used sapphires and rubies, as well as emeralds. But this was not their limit, since they also used some less precious stones like pearls or topaz to finish off their pieces of jewelry.
The designs of Roman jewelry were not, however, always fitted with precious stones and other jewels. The designers used glass commonly during those times, and it all started with the beginning of the Roman Empire. Still, glass jewels became very popular during the Augustan age. Before that time, wearers of Roman jewelry were less open-minded in their use of accessories, but soon their creativity gained momentum in sync with the empire’s quest for peace.
Most of Romans’ existence focused on conquering other lands in order to increase and consolidate the empire. These new lands conquered brought influences on the designs Roman jewelry. Soon after a new land was conquered, Roman designers of jewelry absorbed the influences coming from these lands and went further by creating some innovative and highly creative designs. The trend went towards larger pieces that caught all eyes and which placed the wearer in the center of attention.
On every popular item of Roman jewelry was the ring, which was a symbol to the Romans. Roman women from the higher echelons of society would wear several big and beautiful rings on their hands. Here the message was carried by the ring, and whoever saw the woman in question instantly knew that she is a “blue blood”, meant to be respected and maybe feared. However, rings were not the only items that Romans enjoyed wearing and by which they showed their statute. Whenever Romans had any room to place an accessory, they traditionally would not hesitate in boasting a necklace, some earrings or a bracelet.
Various types of Roman jewelry designs can still be found and worn proudly in our day and age. The Romans are the creators of the cameo type pendants. Nowadays, the cameo pendant constitutes a classic piece of jewelry worn by many women as an accessory to their wardrobes. Also, Roman jewelry designers are the ones who invented and promoted the hooped earring. Today, you will have a tough time finding a woman who does not have a pair of hoop earrings in her little bag or box of accessories. The ancient Romans designed and developed many items that people use to this day, and the jewelry they conceived is included in this statement. Jewelry from ancient Roman times established some tendencies that were maintained throughout the years, and today’s women borrow ideas from these ancient people to compile new and exciting wardrobes.