A discovery had been made that would revolutionise the then known world and continue to impact future generations across the globe for centuries to come. By alloying copper with tin, a brand new metal had been born and time would tell that it would become indispensable to life - relied upon in the fields of construction, industry, warfare and art. This ancient discovery was that of Bronze and would mark the beginning what we know today as the Bronze Age.
Where did the term Bronze Age come from? In fact the phrase was first coined by a Danish Archeologist named Thompson. In around the year 1830, he defined periods we know today as the Stone Age, Iron Age and Bronze Age - according to the kinds of materials that were used in the manufacturing of tools and weapons.
The Bronze Age itself is said to have begun around the year 3000 B.C.E and continued through to around 1200 B.C.E. Different parts of the world entered the age at different times between these dates however it is generally believed that the Bronze age was born in Mesopotamia, likely in modern day Iraq. This hugely versatile, affordable and durable resource became the standard for many aspects of life and being the go to metal of the time, it also began to influence the world of ancient fashion. In what way? Previous to this most important discovery, jewellery, such as earrings, pendants and brooches had mainly been made of natural substances such as bone and horn but once a person happened across this distinctive and sophisticated substance, the other stuff just didn’t quite cut it! Bronze, in all its polished glory, seemed perfect for forming beautiful pieces both delicate and intricate as well as strong and sturdy. These traits are evident when one examines the large array of Bronze Age brooches, which are the earliest brooches in existence. A most noteworthy quality of said beautiful bronze was that it was also ‘recyclable’. Simply by smelting the bronze, a craftsman would form a brand new piece perhaps turning a Bronze Age cooking pot into a Bronze Age brooch in a matter of hours. The remarkable versatility of this alloy enabled the maker to form anything from long thin spindle-like wire pieces to large flat plate like pieces. There seemed to be nothing that bronze couldn’t do.
At the Historic Jewellery Reproduction company, we have fashioned a selection of Bronze Age pieces by contact molding to exactly resemble the original piece. This affords the wearer to get a true sense and feel of the original – imperfections and all. Indeed, what stories could no doubt be told by the sights and sounds that these small precious objects may have witnessed. Please visit our website and take a look at one of our Cruciform Bronze Age brooches, our Spectacle Bronze Age Brooch or perhaps even our Bronze Age Bronze Comb. Indeed from Iraq to India, from England to Egypt, let’s not forget how much the world of fine jewellery owes to the crafted creations of the Bronze Age.