Jewelry has been used as a body adornment for thousands of years. The components are largely unchanged; precious minerals have been used as far back as ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, although even older pieces made of shells and animal teeth are still seen today.

There are many different types of jewelry. While many of them are simply for show, or fashion, a lot of types do have a specific purpose. Some are religious symbols, some are displays of power or wealth, and some are true works of art.

The most commonly known piece of jewelry is probably the engagement ring, and then the subsequent wedding band. Engagement rings are usually made with sparkling, best value diamonds cut into various shapes. Diamonds were first used in engagement rings in 1477, which is the date of the marriage between Maximilian I to Mary of Burgundy.

These come in many different sizes and styles, and are quite expensive. The diamond, as well as being beautiful, symbolizes the strength of the relationship, because diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring mineral.

The subsequent wedding band is made from metal, usually gold, and represents eternal union. Both the bride and groom will wear one. Sometimes these will be engraved with a name, or a date, which strengthens the symbolism and personalizes the ring.

In modern days, jewelry is becoming valued more for its creativity and design rather than the actual material value, so it can be made out of anything from scrap metal to diamonds.

The first pieces of jewelry, dating back 100,000 years ago, were most likely simple adornments. However, in ancient Egypt, jewelry began to be a symbol of power and religion within a community, mainly worn by wealthy members of society. Egyptians would also bury their dead along with their jewels.

Diamonds were not treasured gemstones and were certainly not money back guarantee diamonds until they were used as religious icons in India, but they were used as engraving tools long before that. Now they are used in many different types of jewelry, from the already mentioned engagement rings to earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anything else you can think of.

In the past it was just as common to see men wearing jewelry as women, but as the years went on it became more and more feminine. However, in the eight century jewels were still used to adorn weaponry and royal crowns. There are also more masculine pieces such as cufflinks.

Tribal jewelry is usually asexual, meaning it is worn equally by both sexes. These are usually very colorful and made from beads. Jewelry has different meanings in different tribes and may be representative of rank, age, marital status, etc.

Body modification jewelry is also common in tribes. This includes any kind of modification, from piercings to lobe and lip stretching, even neck stretching. This kind of jewelry is normally plain, with the exception of earrings which are often made to match necklaces and other pieces of jewelry.

There is more emphasis on jewelry as a form of art now, rather than any other type of symbolism (although the symbolism is still there in many cases).