Ever wondered why jewelry first appeared? Or how it has changed over the centuries? Jewelry dates back to prehistoric times when early humans wore jewelry such as amulets, status symbol or adornment. The materials used were shell, bone, wood, pebbles, animal skin and feathers. Beads were discovered dating from 110,000 BC. Archaeologists believe that these beads were used as either amulets or for adornment purposes. Copper first appeared in the making of jewelry around 5000 BC. Around 4000 BC the first objects from gold were created. At the same time, gold began being used in Egypt. Elaborate jewelry was created, like ornaments and amulets, many of which carried the intricate designs of gods, insects and animals. Later, jewelry production was carried on in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Greece and ancient Rome. Medieval jewelry was greatly influenced by the Christian religion. Later jewelry lost its religious content and the Industrial Revolution lead to a mass production, that was affordable for everyone. Nowadays plastic enhanced the shape and colors of the modern jewelry, giving designers more freedom of expression. From artistic shape to sentimental meaning, there are many reasons why handmade jewelry brings up a real feeling that a mass-manufactured piece cannot. A jewelry collection lacking handmade pieces does not have the complexity or passion of one that does.