MODERN JEWELLERY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1098, 10 April 1911, Page 9

MODERN JEWELLERY.

Quite'unconsciously women are wearing more and more.frequently jewellery mado in imitation of the peasant jewellery _ of various nations (says an Australian writer). The jewels of tho people, like the songs, are evolved from the heart rather than tho head, and the usually symbolic or semi-religions necklaces, earrings, pendants, belts, buttons, buckles, and clasps, high combs, and ornamental pins are worn by peasants more or less according to nationality. In ancient times silver was dedicated to the moon goddess, Diana, and was the symbol of purity. To this day, in some parts of France, silver is worn only by maidens and sold only by married women. Normandy is famous for its beautiful crosses, Belgium for its pendants, and Italy for its beautiful buckles and pins. The peasant adornments of Austria are full of persoKelity, as they spring from the individual efforts of the people. Tho -.varied races of the Austrian dominion are born artists. Heavy silver buckles, buttons, tortoise shell, or silver watch cases are- usually made by the ' wearer, while men make for their sweethearts rosaries, necklaces, bracelets, shoe buckles, and silver combs and hair pins. ' Tho Swiss peasant jewellery is usually of garnets and silver, while the Spanish combs ,, and jewels, in gold and silver gilt, are oftsn. Moorish in type, while tho PoxtuKiieso jewels arc more often Indian, in design. . Tho Dutch ' peasants possess a vast treasure in tho way of jewels, heirlooms of many generation. In Zealand, the lace caps of the girls are set with gold and ■• silver ornaments, while tho women of North Holland wear on festive occasions bands of precious metal under their caps. Norway and Sweden have their beautiful peasant jewellery. There is a little jewellery, including the Cloddago wedding rins, among tho Irish peasants, but the English labourers are sadly deficient in something which adds not a little to the pride and joy of life.