Jewellery and Ornaments

Embellishment, or the use of jewellery and ornaments, appeared in very early times, based either on a belief in or need for decoration, and has today become a living tradition.

Jewellery was made by small tribes with the natural materials available where they lived, in accordance with their beliefs and customs. It became a part of their tradition and was endowed with symbolic meanings.
Jewellery made of stone, metal, wood, bone, fabric, glass or leftover materials are examples of this cultural heritage.

The tradition of using jewellery and ornaments to complement traditional clothing still exists in traditional societies. The jewellery and ornaments used at wedding ceremonies in Anatolia differ according to the importance of the couple about to be married. For example, on the "henna night" (a party for a bride-to-be during which she and the other guests henna their hands and fingers, generally held one day before the wedding ceremony itself) the bride wears no ornaments, her clothes and jewellery being worn by another girl. It is considered inappropriate for a young girl to adorn herself before marriage, although she will do so before leaving her father's house, either to give a favorable impression or for protection from the evil eye.
Jewelry and ornaments are also worn by children and adult males.

Although some traditions are about to disappear, there is a growing interest in using jewelry in accordance with authentic fashion.