By : Andy West
History has produced and left behind many distinctive items that are magnificent cultural indicators of the times and hip hop jewelry is no different. In the early days of man, decorative pieces fashioned from bone, stone and seashell was worn on the wrists, around the neck and from the ears. Just as in modern times, the jewelry of man's progenitors was meant to denote status and sometimes even affiliation with certain groups.
The earliest form of hip hop jewelry is said to have emerged sometime in the 1970's. The trend stuck with a number of musicians, actors and athletes and moved on into the 80's and 90's. However, with each decade, this form of jewelry grew not only in popularity but size as well.
These days, it is not uncommon to flip on the television and see some of the brightest and most talented hip hop stars performing with distinct and eye catching pieces of jewelry. Sometimes the piece is simply a long chain and nothing else. Other times it is a number of pieces such as a thick chain with diamond-studded initials, several rings, a jewel encrusted wristwatch or flashy earrings.
Jewelry is an element that not only complements the performances of these artists but their lifestyles as well. Extravagant, attention grabbing and hard to miss, hip hop jewelry is larger than life. It is a celebration of hard work and an expression of the individual's success both now and in the future.
While everyone may not be able to afford the high dollar jewelry of a successful multi platinum artist, hip hop jewelry is not totally out of reach for the everyday individual. Seeing that there was a demand for these types of accessories, a large number of quality jewelers have opened up to a whole new market. One can find exactly what they want and need in a high quality replica simply by going online.
Many of these replicas are anything but cheap dime store knockoffs. Typically, jewelers will use the same types of precious metals and gemstones used in the original piece. However, instead of solid gold a piece may be gold plated and the gemstones may be of a smaller carat. This is what allows one to not only emulate their favorite celebrity but also purchase the same high quality without the heavy price tag.
Along with pieces being designed for both men and women, hip hop jewelry comes in a number of designs that are perfect for all occasions. There are also pieces that are designed to go specifically with a certain outfit. These types of jewelry may be of any size and use a specific geometric design, gemstone color or both.
One of the most popular looks are the pieces that are referred to as iced out, or studded with diamonds. As diamonds are one of the most precious jewels to be had, owning an iced out piece of jewelry can be very costly. To keep the expense down, smaller diamonds, less diamonds or faux diamonds are always an option.
Faux diamonds are nearly impossible to tell from the real thing with the naked eye. This is especially true when items are of extremely good craftsmanship. Items using faux diamonds are a popular choice and are available for both men's and women's pieces.
While opting for understated pieces of jewelry is the common path for most people, this is generally because it is a purchase meant to enhance or round out a person's appearance. Hip hop jewelry is all about making a statement and making it loud and clear. It has never been and never will be about modesty.
History has produced and left behind many distinctive items that are magnificent cultural indicators of the times and hip hop jewelry is no different. In the early days of man, decorative pieces fashioned from bone, stone and seashell was worn on the wrists, around the neck and from the ears. Just as in modern times, the jewelry of man's progenitors was meant to denote status and sometimes even affiliation with certain groups.
The earliest form of hip hop jewelry is said to have emerged sometime in the 1970's. The trend stuck with a number of musicians, actors and athletes and moved on into the 80's and 90's. However, with each decade, this form of jewelry grew not only in popularity but size as well.
These days, it is not uncommon to flip on the television and see some of the brightest and most talented hip hop stars performing with distinct and eye catching pieces of jewelry. Sometimes the piece is simply a long chain and nothing else. Other times it is a number of pieces such as a thick chain with diamond-studded initials, several rings, a jewel encrusted wristwatch or flashy earrings.
Jewelry is an element that not only complements the performances of these artists but their lifestyles as well. Extravagant, attention grabbing and hard to miss, hip hop jewelry is larger than life. It is a celebration of hard work and an expression of the individual's success both now and in the future.
While everyone may not be able to afford the high dollar jewelry of a successful multi platinum artist, hip hop jewelry is not totally out of reach for the everyday individual. Seeing that there was a demand for these types of accessories, a large number of quality jewelers have opened up to a whole new market. One can find exactly what they want and need in a high quality replica simply by going online.
Many of these replicas are anything but cheap dime store knockoffs. Typically, jewelers will use the same types of precious metals and gemstones used in the original piece. However, instead of solid gold a piece may be gold plated and the gemstones may be of a smaller carat. This is what allows one to not only emulate their favorite celebrity but also purchase the same high quality without the heavy price tag.
Along with pieces being designed for both men and women, hip hop jewelry comes in a number of designs that are perfect for all occasions. There are also pieces that are designed to go specifically with a certain outfit. These types of jewelry may be of any size and use a specific geometric design, gemstone color or both.
One of the most popular looks are the pieces that are referred to as iced out, or studded with diamonds. As diamonds are one of the most precious jewels to be had, owning an iced out piece of jewelry can be very costly. To keep the expense down, smaller diamonds, less diamonds or faux diamonds are always an option.
Faux diamonds are nearly impossible to tell from the real thing with the naked eye. This is especially true when items are of extremely good craftsmanship. Items using faux diamonds are a popular choice and are available for both men's and women's pieces.
While opting for understated pieces of jewelry is the common path for most people, this is generally because it is a purchase meant to enhance or round out a person's appearance. Hip hop jewelry is all about making a statement and making it loud and clear. It has never been and never will be about modesty.
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