Ancient Egypt (5550 BC to 33 BC). The jewels in style were the ones depicting scarabs, scrolls, flowers, birds, jackals, antelopes, tigers, etc. The jewels typically worn were pendants, amulets, necklaces, collars, bracelets, rings, all kinds of hair ornaments, ankle bracelets, diadems, breastplates and distinctive brooches. Especially regarded were the precious stones topaz, turquoise, amethyst, chalcedony and the semi-precious lapis lazuli.
Ancient Mesopotamia (2750 BC to 1500 BC). Jewels during this era were in the shape of leaves, grapes, cones and spirals; the stones mostly used were agate, jasper, lapis lazuli and carnelian.
Ancient China (2200 BC to 300 BC). Ancient Chinese were admirers of jade and diamonds. The most popular motives in jewelry were scrolls, flowers, turtles, dragons and phoenix, portrayed on diadems, rings and seals, pendants, hair ornaments and accessories, forehead coins, bracelets and so on.
Ancient Greece (1400 BC to 30 BC). Helenians preferred jewels in the shapes of animals and shells and their favorite gems were amethyst, garnet, chalcedony, carnelian and pearls.
Ancient Rome (500 BC to 400 AD). The most widely preferred jewels were seal rings, amulets and talismans, depicting snakes and animals. Popular were also brooches, rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The gems most appealing to Romans were sapphire, emerald, garnet, amber, pearls, diamonds and topaz.
Middle Ages (1066 to 1485 AD). The strict laws of this period defined who can and cannot wear jewelry. The ornaments were a privilege most of the rich, who preferred jewels with religious motives made out of precious or semi-precious stones such as sapphires, diamonds, emeralds, pearls and rubies.