Introduction to Jewellery History: From Antiquity to Today

Test your jewellery history knowledge!

Explore the rich history of jewellery through this introductory free online course that delves into the cultural, artistic, and societal significance of jewellery across different civilizations and eras.

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This course will also soon be available in French – Click here

Ancient Egypt

  • The Cultural Significance of Jewellery in Ancient Egypt
  • Symbolism of Precious Materials and Gemstones
  • Masterful Craftsmanship and Techniques
  • Historic Gem Facts
Pair of hinged cuffs, ca. 1479–1425 BC, New Kingdom, gift from King Thutmose III to one of his wives, gold, carnelian, turquoise, turquoise and dark blue glass inlay now faded. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Renaissance

  • The Influence of Classical Revival on Renaissance Jewellery
  • Gold and Precious Materials in Renaissance Craftsmanship
  • Jewellery in Paintings
  • Historic Gem Facts
An outstanding example of late 16th century Renaissance jewellery in yellow gold with Burmese rubies and natural saltwater pearls. Photo: SSEF.

18th Century

  • Rococo Period & Georgian jewellery
  • Jewellery in paintings
  • 18th Century Jewellery
The Sutherland Diamonds, comprising diamond necklace with two additional diamond-set sections. The two largest diamonds weigh approximately 15 carats. Tradition links the diamonds to the infamous necklace once offered to Marie Antoinette by her husband Louis XVI of France in 1778. Photo: V&A.

Victorian Era

  • Sentimental Symbolism and Style Evolution in Victorian Jewellery
  • Gemstones, Metals, and Techniques of the Victorian Era
  • Revival Movements and Influences on Victorian Jewellery Design Century Jewellery
Young Queen Victoria painted by Edmund Thomas Parris (c. 1837). Source: The Cooper Gallery. A painting of Queen Victoria in 1900 by Bertha Müller (1848–1925). Source: National Portrait Gallery, London.

Art Deco

  • The Bold and Geometric Glamour of Art Deco Jewellery
  • Cultural Influences and the Rise of Modern Aesthetics
  • Striking Gemstones and Exotic Materials in Art Deco Designs
Egyptian revival sautoir by Van Cleef & Arpels (1924) in platinum with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and onyx. Sold for CHF 4,332,500 at Christie’s in 2018. Photo: Christie’s.

Mid-Century & Modern Day

  • Post-War Optimism and the Glamour of Mid-Century Jewellery
  • Modernism, Minimalism, and Abstract Design Innovations
  • Whimsy, Hollywood Influence, and Iconic Jewellers of the Era
  • Iconic Jewels at Auction
  • Historic Gem Facts
Natural pearl and diamond earrings by JAR. Photo: Christie's.

About the courses

  • Self-paced course: access the information you want, when you want it.
  • Test your knowledge with different quizzes throughout this course. Please note that this course does not have a quiz at the end, and so there is no PDF confirmation that you have taken the course.

About your instructor 

SSEF (Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF) is a non-profit Swiss foundation whose aim it is to further the science of gemstone testing and gemmological training. We are one of the leading gem labs in the world and have scientifically tested many of the world’s most prestigious gemstones.

For more information about our testing services — click here to visit our website.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this courses for?

  • Access trustworthy information from one of the world’s leading authorities on gemstones and jewellery history.
  • Curious about jewellery history and how this links to diamonds, gemstones and more ? Start learning more with this free course.
  • Are you in the gemstone or jewellery trade and you want to gain some insights on jewellery history? Then this course is for you.

When does the course start and finish?

The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course – you decide when you and when you finish.

How long do I have access to the course?

How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like – across any and all devices you own.

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