Although in the ancient times, most peoples from across the globe wore gold, come the 13^th century, medieval laws prohibited the common people to wear gold or silver. Townspeople in France were no longer allowed to adorn themselves with gold or silver because only the nobility could wear them.

This is a sad phase in terms of fashion accessories but as with any phase, it later on was forgotten and people went back to wearing gold and silver jewelry.

Gold is a favorite metal for jewelry however, silver was also quite popular in the olden times as much as it is a staple metal in jewelry making today.

 Ahhh…don’t we just love wearing accessories. For women, this is a necessity especially if they want to make their outfit more appealing. Wearing of accessories is an age old thing across cultures –from the gold trinkets women used in ancient Egypt in 3000BC to the gold and gemstones adorned on necks and ears of Greek women in 1400 BC to empire jewelry to the plastic some of us use today –accessories prove to be an important part of every era.

In ancient Egypt, gold was the metal of choice for making jewelry not only because it was rare and doesn’t tarnish but also because of its malleability. Pendants, necklaces, armlets, rings and bracelets among other trinkets were made by the ancient Egyptians. Collars of gold were also made for those of noble blood. In 1922, a man by the name of Howard Carter found Tutankhamun’s tomb. His discovery led the world to see the intricate funerary artifacts showing the art work of the Egyptians. The gold mask of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was not just an archaeological find but also a good discovery that serves the purposes of jewelers all around the globe. 

Accessories are an important part of a woman’s wardrobe and an important part of a man’s wardrobe too although they are usually just limited to necklaces and watches.

In 1400 BC, the Greeks made beaded jewelry formed into leaves, beetles and other natural objects. Earrings and necklaces were in fact found in a Greek burial site and these items were multi colored and just absolutely beautiful.

After the Greeks, we have the Italians using gold for Roman coinage. The Italians also made clasps and necklaces from gold – 18 and 24 carat ones to be exact.

Today, we still buy jewelry whether they are made purely from gold or are just gold plated.

Photos via allaboutgemstones.com, myjewelrybox.com

Sunglasses have a long history but the sunglasses they had in prehistoric times are a lot more different compared to the ones we have today. History has it that the Inuit used flattened walrus ivory as a protection from the sun. These glasses had narrow silts to them so that the wearer could still see.

It is interesting to note that as early as the 12^th century, flat panes of quartz were used to protect one’s eyes from glare. Smoky quartz was used in China at the time but some historians believe that the Chinese may have used “glasses” as protective wear way before the 12^th century.

There are also ancient documents that indicate the use of crystal sunglasses among judges in China during that time. According to the accounts, these glasses helped conceal the expressions on the judges’ faces while questioning criminals or witnesses.

It is also said that Nero –the Roman emperor liked watching fights with emeralds. They worked as mirrors though and not as protective wear. However, this may have been useful later on for those who invented spectacles for corrective purposes.

It was only in the middle part of the 18^th century though when James Ayscough started his experiments with tinted lenses. These aren’t the sunglasses we know of though because Ayscough believed that glasses that are either tinted blue or green can help in the correction for certain vision impairments. One must remember however that Ayscough did not make these spectacles to protect one’s eyes from the rays of the sun.

Another interesting point in history is when amber-colored glasses were prescribed for people who were suffering from syphilis in the latter part of the 19^th century and the early part of the 20 century. This is not some shaman-like prescription though because those who suffered from the disease were very sensitive to light. 

Photo via the-shoppings.com

 Sunglasses are used for the entire year –they do not go out of fashion and they never will because we need to protect our eyes from the sun. For those living in tropical countries, sunnies are needed all year round. These after all are a must-have and can even make your outfit look more gorgeous.

The brand of your sunglasses should not make an impact because as long as you choose a good pair, you are good to go. Classic black sunglasses ala Jackie O. are a good choice. If you want to save some money, do not buy sunglasses with colored frames because these go out of fashion pretty easily. Black sunglasses are a good idea.

Sunglasses also spelled as sun glasses are a kind of protective eyewear that prevents sunlight from discomforting the eyes. Although they are not known as visual aids, some now use them as such because there are lenses that are darkened or polarized to enhance one’s eyesight.

In the early part of the 20^th century,  sunglasses were known as sun cheaters. The word cheaters is American slang for glasses or spectacles –at least at the time.

Many people who find direct sunlight discomforting usually use sunglasses but it’s not just about discomfort of wanting to look trendy, healthcare professionals recommend using sunglasses too to protect the eyes from blue light and UV rays. These two can cause rather severe eye problems.

It is interesting to note however that sunglasses are associated with stars i.e. film actors, singers and celebrities but they during this “association” they did not use sunnies to protect their eyes from the bright flashes of cameras but to mask their identities.

Since the 1940s, this fashion accessory has become quite popular especially for those who love going to the beach.

In prehistoric times, sunglasses were also used but they do not look like the sunglasses we have today.

We’ve been there –broke that is but it did not stop us from checking out the newest trends in the fashion world. If you are broke but still want to look uber fashionable, worry not because there are ways for you to still look good without spending a fortune.

Here is another look you should take a look at.

Everyone loves dressing for warm weather. It means you can break out your sundresses, mini-skirts and fashion tops. Summer is also a great time for new jewelry and accessories. To complete any summer outfit be sure to add to jewelry that will accentuate your outfit. For a great value on jewelry, check out sterling silver jewelry.

Sterling silver jewelry is reasonably priced and allows you the flexibility to put together a collection of pieces for each outfit. One of the most important accessories to complete any outfit is earrings. Depending on the rest of your outfit, you should determine which type of earring is appropriate stud earrings, hoop earrings, dangle earrings or chandelier earrings. We love summer fashion because you can do so much more with your clothing choices.

Also, the type of earrings you wear should depend on your hair style. Earrings are a great summer accessory because they can dress up an outfit for a night out or you can find a pair to just be worn casually every day. Some of the looks we love for summer are:

 Casual Outing: CZ Diamond Cut Stud Earrings from emitations.com

Night Out on the Town: Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Date Night: Multi-Stone Drop Earrings from Zulumoon.com

Sterling silver jewelry is a way to look great without spending a fortune on jewelry. When you are searching for jewelry pieces you will find that instead of spending money on one piece you can put together several looks for the same piece. This means you can have versatility in your wardrobe and mix and match different looks, keeping your style fresh. If you are feeling stagnant with your style give these three celebrity comparisons a try.

Get this look: Glee's Lea Michele at the 2010 Golden Globes, you can achieve this same look with these silver earrings from Zulu Moon for around $20. Drop earrings always make a great addition to a strapless dress.

Get this look: Rhianna wears these silver bamboo hoop earrings that can be found on Amazon.com for $34. Rhianna is known for her edgier style and wiliness to take risks when it comes to fashion.

Get this look: Black Swan star Natalie Portman wears a dangle earrings with a string of jewels. You can achieve the same look with an amber dangle earring with similar shapes. This earring is also from Zulu Moon for $25.

Celebrity style cues don't have to cost you an arm and a leg. You can find great deals out there, it just takes a little searching. You can save money and be fashion forward at the same time, it's all about making your dollar go further.

  Animal Jewelry is becoming more popular as high-end jewelry makers are producing special collections devoted to the animal kingdom . Even insects and bugs are getting their share of attention with new and interesting designs. Staying up with the latest trends doesn't have to be overly expensive. By selecting sterling silver jewelry you give yourself a great look that will last a lifetime. Here are three pieces for under $100 that are the perfect way to rock this emerging style trend. This animal trend allows you to have a piece that reflects your personality and style.

The first piece is a silver snake from Tiffany and Co. Tiffany is world renown for their beautiful silver jewelry and this piece is no exception. The silver snake pendent is attached to a black necklace and makes a great casual piece that can be worn often.

 The next selection is from Zulu Moon. Zulumoon.com is known for its large selection of sterling silver jewelry at reasonable price points. Zulu Moon features a full line of Silver animal jewelry but I have selected a pair of silver animal earrings. These silver dragonfly earrings make the perfect addition to any collection and are another great casual piece. 

The third piece of jewelry I have selected is a silver Owl pendent. The Owl pendent, from Amazon.com, represents wisdom and is even Pandora bracelet compatible. The silver Owl is from Bling Jewelry and crafted form 925 sterling silver.  

Sterling silver is great because it can go with any outfit and looks great with any skin tone. Silver jewelry adds a touch a style, sophistication and shows a discerning taste. 

Finding a meaningful gift for that someone special can be difficult, but here are a few suggestions for some holiday gift ideas that are thoughtful and stylish. Silver jewelry is currently the most popular style of jewelry and the styles are endless. Whether you are looking for silver earrings, a silver charm bracelet or a silver necklace, you can find any style you are looking for and have it delievered right to your door from an online jewelry store. Silver jewlery is an easy and fun gift idea that can personalized for the indivdual.

Here are some great gift ideas for silver jewelry: 

Silver jewelry gift ideas for men could be silver rings, silver bracelets or silver dog tags. These gift ideas are perfect for the holidays but also make a great groomsmen gifts, graduation gifts or birthday. Buying  money clip, cufflinks or a tie clip.

Sterling silver is great because it can go with any outfit and looks great with any skin tone. Silver jewelry adds a touch a style, sophistication and shows a discerning taste. 

Finding a meaningful gift for that someone special can be difficult, but here are a few suggestions for some holiday gift ideas that are thoughtful and stylish. Silver jewelry is currently the most popular style of jewelry and the styles are endless. Whether you are looking for silver earrings, a silver charm bracelet or a silver necklace, you can find any style you are looking for and have it delivered right to your door from an online jewelry store. Silver jewelry is an easy and fun gift idea that can personalized for the individual.

Here are some great gift ideas for silver jewelry: 

Silver jewelry gift ideas for men could be silver rings, silver bracelets or silver dog tags. These gift ideas are perfect for the holidays but also make a great groomsmen gifts, graduation gifts or birthday. Buying  money clip, cufflinks or a tie clip.