History Of Embellishment

Embellishment would also be applied to the clothing. Forms of embellishments are commonly sequins, beads and shells and trading with various countries meant that the embellishment techniques were used worldwide. Embellishment was used in order to shown ranking in the military as well as within society therefore lots of embellishment is commonly seen on the clothing of the upper classes. Threads made from metal were used on upper class clothing and authority and position would be expressed through the use of metals pendant and beading. Pilgrims during the medieval times would wear shells commonly scallop to show that they are pilgrims. Feathers when seen on the clothing of the Native Americans would reflect their courage. In many cultures metal …show more content…
The coins would be worn to express the wearer’s wealth as well as for protection from evil spirts due to the reflection of light being thought to confuse evil spirits. They can be seen on the clothing worn for weddings and by children since they were thought to be vulnerable. Sequins are a development from coins that were introduced in the 1600s but they were not referred to as sequins until the 1800s. They were first small circles made from metals such as gold then in modern day plastic is used instead making them lighter and durable. Holes can be found in the centre of the sequins or at the edge allowing them to be attached to the fabric. Sequins can now be found in strips that are then attached to the fabric. Shell decoration commonly uses the cowrie shell which were once considered valuable and used as money 4000 years ago. Pearls would also be used as embellishment. Beading has been used as embellishment for a long time. The earliest beads are thought to have been from 38000 BC and were found in France. Beads can be made from the teeth of animals, stones, seeds, wood, metal, plastic, shells and clay. They were used on both the clothing and jewellery. Beads that are blue are commonly associated with protection, life and