Embellishment, or the use of jewellery and
ornaments, appeared in very early times, based
either on a belief in or need for decoration, and
has today become a living tradition.
Jewellery was made by small tribes with the natural
materials available where they lived, in accordance
with their beliefs and customs. It became a part of
their tradition and was endowed with symbolic
meanings.
Jewellery made of stone, metal, wood, bone, fabric,
glass or leftover materials are examples of this
cultural heritage.
The tradition of using jewellery and ornaments to
complement traditional clothing still exists in
traditional societies. The jewellery and ornaments
used at wedding ceremonies in Anatolia differ
according to the importance of the couple about to
be married. For example, on the "henna night" (a
party for a bride-to-be during which she and the
other guests henna their hands and fingers,
generally held one day before the wedding ceremony
itself) the bride wears no ornaments, her clothes
and jewellery being worn by another girl. It is
considered inappropriate for a young girl to adorn
herself before marriage, although she will do so
before leaving her father's house, either to give a
favorable impression or for protection from the evil
eye. Jewelry and ornaments are also worn by children
and adult males.
