Medieval and Renaissance Jewelry
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance saw the rise of Christianity and Islam, which influenced the styles and meanings of jewelry. Jewelry became more religious and symbolic, often featuring crosses, saints, angels, and inscriptions. Jewelry also reflected the social and political changes of the time, such as the feudal system, the crusades, the guilds, and the courts. Some of the most popular materials and techniques for jewelry making in this period include enamel, filigree, niello, and cloisonné.