Why do people wear jewelry? What meaning does it hold for the wearer? And what does the wearer hope it will convey to those they encounter-or to someone viewing their image decades, even centuries, later? Artistic renderings of the human figure-in portraiture, sculpture, and other media-in a range of allegorical, historical, and religious images often showcase jewelry. The ornaments depicted in such designs offer an abundance of information that not only heightens our understanding of the subject but also provides insights into the imagination of the artist. Jewelry enhances our enjoyment of works of art because it is visually compelling, sensuous, and laden with an array of associations and symbolic meanings.
