Nancy
has been collecting jewelry since
her 20’s, some of it passed down
from her grandmother and mother.
Once she got the bug, it was not
enough for her to wear it for
everyday and special occasions.
Nancy wanted to learn the history of
jewelry and some of the specific
pieces she acquired, some of it
unique. When her necklaces, rings,
and bracelets brought complimentary
comments she just had to know where
it came from, who produced it.
Nancy Schaub pointed out that
jewelry is some of the oldest
adornments that people wore. It was
used to fix clothing, hair, and to
denote rank and religious
affiliation in addition to artistic
display by the wearer. Some jewelry
use has been dated to 75,000 years
ago.
Jewelry is also was worn for good
luck. Schaub laughed when she told
of the special sapphire earrings she
always wore when taking a test.
A small selection from Schaub's
collection, all of which she wears.
Through the ages, certain types of
jewelry were popular, and then were
supplanted by the next big thing.
Gems, metals, glass and bone have
all been used to construct these
adornments. With the advent of the
industrial revolution, mass produced
jewelry was available to the middle
class. Before this time, it was
mainly displayed by the wealthy.
Plastic and Bakelite were materials
that came into prominence in the
20th century. These past one hundred
years have also seen the advent of
the high end jewelry stores such as
Tiffany, Bulgari, Cartier, and
Chanel, catering to the wealthy.
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A spectacular bracelet.
Nancy Schaub pointed
out some of the markings that
jewelry may have to identify who
made it. She likes the stacked look
of several bracelets on a wrist. She
is also partial to art deco and art
nouveau, both 20th century styles.
Several members of the audience
brought their family heirlooms to
share with Schaub and their friends
at the LCGHS.
The LCGHS meetings are held on the
third Monday of the month. There is
always an interesting program in
addition to society business. The
public is always welcome to their
facility at 114 North Chicago Street
in Lincoln.
[Curtis Fox ]
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