In the late 1800s, British archaeologist Archibald Campbell Carlyle said of primitive man, “the first spiritual want of a barbarous man is decoration.”

Researchers now believe that, since the dawn of man some 6 million to 7 million years ago, jewelry has played an integral role with the earliest-known use of clothing.

The Egyptians were the first to give jewelry a magical and religious significance. In the ancient Egyptian world, jewelry was worn to protect the wearer from evil.

Today, other than adornment, jewelry can have myriad of meanings for the wearer. Depending on the design and purpose, it can evoke the many passions of the wearer, including love, status and even politics.

Recently, a small but significant exhibit of jewelry addressing all of those passions opened at Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

“Pittsburgh Adorned: Classic to Contemporary” presents more than 80 exquisite pieces from private local collections and the Carnegie Museums.

Located in the Wertz Gallery of Gems and Jewelry, tucked deep in the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, it may be hard to find, but like discovering rare jewels, it’s worth seeking out.

By Kurt Shaw, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, June 20, 2010

For more info: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fashion/s_686538.html