From ancient queens to contemporary icons, bold jewelry has always served as more than simple adornment. It’s a form of self-expression, a symbol of status, and often a deeply personal statement. As time has evolved, so too has our relationship with jewelry—but the allure of bold, standout pieces has remained constant. Join us as we explore how bold jewelry has shaped style—and made history—through the ages.
A collection of ancient Egyptian jewelry in the British Museum, London.
1. Ancient Civilizations: Jewelry as Power and Protection
In Ancient Egypt, jewelry was a sacred language of status and spirituality. Pharaohs and nobility wore wide collar necklaces, chunky gold cuffs, and bejeweled headpieces crafted with lapis lazuli, turquoise, and carnelian. These were not only decorative—they symbolized divine protection and eternal life.
Meanwhile, in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, large gold earrings and engraved amulets communicated wealth and tribal identity. Jewelry was made to last forever, just like the legacy of those who wore it.
Bold then meant: divine status, eternal beauty, and spiritual power.
Egyptian Necklace
2. The Classical World: Ornamentation Meets Philosophy
In Ancient Greece and Rome, jewelry was an artistic extension of philosophy and societal order. While some designs were more restrained, elite women often wore large cameos, intaglio rings, and gold torcs. Romans, in particular, loved to showcase their success with gemstone-studded rings and coin pendants—a subtle yet bold statement of empire and identity.
Bold then meant: intellect, empire, and heritage.
Reliquary Pendant with Virgin and Child. Gold featuring amethyst, emeralds, rubies, pearls, semiprecious stones and niello. Walters Art Museum.
3. The Renaissance: Extravagance in Every Detail
During the Renaissance, jewelry exploded with color, symbolism, and opulence. Necklaces became more elaborate, featuring oversized gemstones, religious motifs, and intricate enamel work. Royalty like Elizabeth I of England wore pearls and rubies in layered strands, brooches, and earrings to signal divine right and supreme elegance.
Bold then meant: divine rule, artistic grandeur, and courtly power.
JANESICH SAPPHIRE, EMERALD, ONYX AND DIAMOND BROOCH, CIRCA 1925
4. The 20th Century: From Rebellion to Glamour
The 1920s introduced bold Art Deco designs—geometric, daring, and glamorous. Think flappers with stacked bangles, long sautoirs, and bold onyx and jade pieces. Fast forward to the 1960s and 70s, and jewelry became a medium for political and cultural expression. Designers like Elsa Peretti and Kenneth Jay Lane embraced oversized forms, sculptural silhouettes, and mixed materials—making costume jewelry an art form in its own right.
By the 1980s, jewelry was loud, gold-plated, and unapologetically extravagant. Shoulder-dusting earrings, thick chains, and cocktail rings dominated both fashion and pop culture.
Bold then meant: rebellion, freedom, and unfiltered glamour.
Crystal Rose and Chainmail Necklace by Navarro Official
5. Today: A Return to Storytelling and Identity
Contemporary bold jewelry is all about intention. Artisanal, sculptural, and often rooted in cultural heritage, today’s statement pieces serve as wearable stories. Designers fuse ancient techniques with modern materials, creating necklaces that speak of roots, rings that echo rituals, and earrings that balance bold form with feminine strength.
Jewelry is no longer just an accessory—it’s a manifesto. It’s about honoring identity, elevating tradition, and standing confidently in your narrative.
Bold now means: authenticity, craftsmanship, and meaning.
Why We Still Love Bold Jewelry
Because bold jewelry makes us feel something. It empowers, it communicates, and it transforms. Whether worn as armor, memory, or mirror, these pieces invite us to embody history—and write our own.
So go ahead: stack the pearls, layer the amethysts, wear that oversized pendant. Let your jewelry speak loudly, beautifully, and unapologetically.
💎 Explore Our Bold Collection
At Edgar Navarro Jewelry, each piece is inspired by the landscapes of Guatemala, the light of Miami, and the legacy of bold adornment across cultures. Handcrafted using semi-precious stones, artisanal techniques, and contemporary aesthetics, our statement pieces are designed to celebrate your power, your story, and your style.