Art Of The Armenian Jewelry
Armenian jewellery is actively growing, maintaining centuries-old traditions, and functioning largely as a reflection of the general aesthetic sensibility of the country.
Jewellery has been worn by both men and women from ancient times, when it was more significant due to the meaning and symbolism that particular pieces of jewellery contained. Men's position and roles were expressed through jewellery; the more valuable the piece, the higher the owner's social standing. The golden belt denoted money and success, while the silver belt represented masculinity.
Armenians wore jewellery up until the 1920s not just for aesthetic reasons but also largely as amulets and talismans. Even though few people are aware, each pattern, ornament, and kind of jewellery has various significant traditional roles and aesthetic values, it only relates to accessories nowadays.
Silver and gold, two noble metals, were used to create jewellery. Natural and precious stones were frequently utilised as ornaments. The metal was highly valued for its embedded emerald, turquoise, pearl, and pomegranate stones. The national clothing known as "Taraz" for Armenians was inseparably adorned with jewels. As wedding presents, jewellery and clothes were passed down from generation to generation.
Read about the "Taraz": https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1567573263669765&id=100012513180275&sfnsn=scwspmo&mibextid=6aamW6
The jewelry's meanings and objectives
The meanings and functions of the jewels are highly intriguing. An unmarried girl, for instance, had no legal authority to wear a gold belt or a silver or gold ring on her right hand. Married ladies wore snake rings, necklaces with half-moon, triangle, or almond-shaped pendants, bracelets on their arms and legs, and head ornaments. The feminine origins symbol is a triangle or half-moon.
The roar of a thunderstorm, which, in the knowledge of ancient humans, could chase out evil and hold inconceivable power, was equated to the sound of metal jewellery. The major purposes of jewellery were to enhance a woman's femininity, protect her from evil spirits and spells, and bring fertility to her.
The pomegranate, often known as "The Sign of Eternity," is a representation of the Armenian people's national identity and the idea of the everlasting.
The Association of Armenian Jewellers
In order to link Armenian jewellers around the world and support the growth of Armenia's jewellery sector, one of the nation's first professional associations was established in 1997. Its goal is to "internationally promote Armenian jewellers. The objective of bringing together Armenian jewellers and growing the jewellery sector in Armenia is crucial.
The association has now established the Armenian Jewellers Foundation, which will work to unravel the fascinating history of jewellery and gems in an upcoming book and documentaries, recounting the famous and infamous stories behind some of the world's most stunning creations throughout the ages and the significant connections. The foundation is the brainchild of Canadian-Armenian businessman Pierre Akkelian.
