One of the first records of wearable ornaments was in 3000 BC in Egypt.

Personal wearable ornaments that are made out of shell beads have also been discovered by archaeologists in Africa and they may date back at least 70,000 years. There is definitely a contemporary trend towards adorning our bodies with beautiful ornaments, with Google returning a search of more than 80,000 sites in a search for wearable ornaments. That doesn’t include the thousands of brick & mortar shops displaying wearable ornaments as well as several magazines dedicated to wearable ornaments. If you add the word jewelry to the search, you get 206,000,000 sites.

Some jewelry wouldn’t be considered wearable ornaments. Generally speaking, wearable ornaments are handcrafted and either one-of-a-kind or at least limited in production. Wearable ornaments sometimes serve a creative purpose and have a symbolic meaning too. They are used to enhance the body in an artistic way and are independent of their usefulness. Of course, the wearable ornaments can be useful, such as a designer watch. But their true purpose is simply beauty.

With so many ornament collectors today, the movement towards wearing ornaments naturally is on the increase too. The ornament collectors’ love of beautiful ornaments naturally spills over into the enjoyment of adorning themselves with ornaments. The ornament collector’s jewelry box full of wearable ornaments just adds more to their ornament collection.

There are also gorgeous hair ornaments made out of everything from fabricated jewels to vintage tapestry and the price range can be anywhere from $5 to $500 and more for an exceptional design and materials.

It is fun to discover a special wearable ornament that becomes a kind of signature for you that will express who you are, or who you aspire to be. When you search for your wearable ornament, follow your passion towards your favorite colors and materials. You may want to decide on your favorite gem as a starting point for the color or combination of colors that you want.

There are many designers that create wearable ornaments that are reflections of nature and even include parts of nature such as dried flowers and grasses. Some artists mix mediums such as fabrics, beads and metals. If you find a designer whose general style intrigues you, you have a head start.

Of course, what expresses you today may not feel as comfortable on another day and this is how your collection of wearable ornaments begins. Will you ever again choose to throw on a piece of jewelry just because it matches your outfit? Start with the wearable ornament or ornaments that feel right today and let your outfit accessorize.

When it comes down to finding your signature wearable ornament, try not to over analyze it. After all, it is all about beauty. Enjoy!

Please click on the images above to view more wearable ornaments.

Here are more great resources for wearable ornaments:

Ornament Magazine – Best source for wearable ornaments ideas and supplies
Laura Timmins – The Midnight Sky Collection reflects nature
360 Jewels – Rings that are pretty no matter how you look at them
Palleiko Designs – Contemporary wearable art inspired through Nature
Jewelry by Anixi – Sterling silver blends contemporary and masculine
Afrika Stree Jewelry – Informative blog with unique designs for sale
Street Noodles – Unusual variety of wearable art – Bird Series and more
The Beaded Lilly – Dazzling beaded cuffs from primitive to exotic
Rachele’s Originals – Eye catching wearable ornaments to fall in love with
Sand Fibers – Splendidly unique – One of a kind necklaces, cuffs, and pendants
Beersheba Porcelain – Beautiful necklaces made from hand-made beads
Under the Bo – Antique and archaeological jewelry from Asia and beyond
Bill Farr – Fine art wearable sculpture in silver, wood, stones and gems