From royal regalia to everyday style, gold jewelry has told our stories for thousands of years. Explore how techniques, trends, and symbolism evolved, then see modern takes you can wear now.
Ancient Egypt
Time frame: c. 3000 BCE to 30 BCE
Egyptians prized gold for its sunlike glow and permanence. Pharaohs wore collars, cuffs, and amulets that signified protection and power. Common motifs included scarabs, lotus flowers, and the Eye of Horus. Early techniques like granulation and inlay set the stage for fine metalwork.
Today’s take: Wide cuffs and symbolic pendants feel timeless. Explore Pendants here.
Mesopotamia
Time frame: c. 3000 BCE to 539 BCE
City states like Sumer and Babylon produced filigree and repoussé pieces with rosettes and leaf patterns. Jewelry signaled status, trade ties, and temple wealth.
Today’s take: Floral studs and leaf motifs echo these designs. See Earrings and nature inspired Gold Jewelry.
Greece and Rome
Time frame: c. 800 BCE to 476 CE
Greek goldsmiths refined lifelike forms, knots, and laurel wreaths. Romans popularized chains, signet rings, and coin pendants that showed civic pride and family identity.
Today’s take: Medallion necklaces and signet rings never left.
Medieval to Renaissance Europe
Time frame: c. 500 to 1600 CE
Medieval pieces often carried religious meaning and set colored stones in closed backs. The Renaissance brought gemstone cuts, portrait miniatures, and elaborate chains as global trade expanded.
Today’s take: Gem accented pendants and ornate chains feel classic. Shop Gemstone Jewelry.
Victorian Era
Time frame: 1837 to 1901
Romantic motifs ruled: hearts, bows, lockets, and serpents. Yellow gold was the star. Mourning jewelry with onyx and enamel also rose in popularity.
Today’s take: Lockets and heart charms make heartfelt gifts.
Art Nouveau
Time frame: 1890 to 1910
Flowing lines, botanical forms, and ethereal silhouettes defined the look. Gold settings were sculptural and organic.
Today’s take: Curved hoops and nature inspired pendants capture the mood. See Earrings and Pendants.
Art Deco
Time frame: 1920s to 1930s
Geometry and symmetry took over. Think bold rectangles, sunburst rays, and elegant lariats. White gold and platinum surged, while yellow gold offered warm contrast.
Today’s take: Bar pendants, linear drops, and stacked bands.
Mid-Century to 1970s
Time frame: 1940s to 1970s
Postwar styles favored sculptural gold, textured finishes, and cocktail rings. The 1970s embraced bold chains, medallions, and layered looks.
Today’s take: Paperclip chains, rope chains, and statement cuffs.
1990s to Today
Time frame: 1990s to present
Minimal gold pieces, stacking rings, and mixed metals grew popular. Personalization rose, from initials to zodiac and birthstones. Ethical sourcing and recycled gold matter more to shoppers than ever.
Today’s take: Build your signature stack with rings, add a birthstone jewelry, then finish with a sleek necklace.
History at a Glance
- Ancient Egypt: symbolic cuffs and amulets
- Mesopotamia: filigree and floral forms
- Greece and Rome: wreaths, signets, coin motifs
- Medieval to Renaissance: devotional pieces, trade fueled variety
- Victorian: romance, lockets, serpents
- Art Nouveau: flowing organic lines
- Art Deco: geometric glamour
- Mid Century to 1970s: textured gold and bold chains
- Modern: minimalist stacks, personalization, mixed metals
Shop Modern Takes Inspired by History
- Classic Gold Chains for Roman looks and 1970s style
- Meaningful Pendants inspired by Egypt and Greece
- Signet and Stacking Rings from ancient to modern
- Hoops and Drop Earrings that echo Art Nouveau and Deco
- Gemstone Favorites for Renaissance color
FAQs
What karat of gold is best for everyday wear
10k and 14k are both excellent choices. 10k is the most durable and budget friendly option, while 14k offers a richer color with slightly more gold content, yet still strong enough for daily use.
How do I style historical looks in a modern way
Pick one era to reference, keep silhouettes clean, then layer one statement with simple staples.
Does gold color change over time
Gold does not tarnish like silver, but it can develop a soft patina. Gentle cleaning restores shine.
Bring History Into Your Everyday Style
Explore curated pieces that blend classic inspiration with modern craftsmanship. Shop our latest Gold Jewelry or start with customer favorites in Earrings and Pendants.