January 31 - International Jeweler's Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Jewelry art is one of the oldest professions that combines skill, creativity and hard work. On January 31, specialists who create exquisite jewelry, precious items and artistic works from metals and stones celebrate their professional holiday. In 2025 the date falls on Friday. Read about the history of the profession and traditions of celebrating the International Jeweler's Day in Izvestia.

History of the establishment of the International Jeweler's Day, celebrated on January 31

The proposal to establish a professional holiday for masters of jewelry was first voiced in 2002 at the Golden Ring of Russia festival in Kostroma. However, it was not realized immediately, the idea had been matured for six years.

The final decision to establish the International Jeweler's Day was made in 2008 at the festival of young jewelers held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The date of January 31 was chosen not by chance - it is in this month that specialists register their stamps.

International Jeweler's Day 2025: the formation of jewelry art in the world

Jewelry-making originated in the era of primitive society. Over time, it evolved from the manufacture of simple jewelry to complex artistic products made of precious metals and stones.

The first archaeological finds of jewelry made of bones, shells and stones date back about 100,000 years. About 3 thousand years BC, the inhabitants of ancient Egypt mastered the processing of gold, they created jewelry with turquoise, lapis lazuli and carneol, symbolizing the high status of the owner, as well as sometimes used in rituals.

In Ancient Greece, craftsmen mastered artistic carving on stone, jewelry made of precious metals with semi-precious stones appeared. In Rome, silver and pearls were also actively used in the production of jewelry. At the same time, craftsmen in ancient India made complex gold jewelry with rubies and emeralds, and in China - unique items made of jade.

In Medieval Europe, the art of jewelry making reached a new level. Masters united in guilds, passing the secrets of their craft from generation to generation. Large jewelry centers such as Venice, Paris and London appeared.

During the Renaissance in XV-XVII centuries the development of technology allowed to create very complex enameled products made of precious stones. Miniature portraits on medallions, massive necklaces and brooches were in vogue. Great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci participated in the development of jewelry pieces.

The XIX-XX centuries saw the formation and blossoming of world-famous jewelry brands, the development of diamond processing techniques, and the creation of the famous "diamond" cut, which includes 57 facets. And with the advent of art deco and minimalism, jewelry production became mass-produced.

International Jeweler's Day - 2025: jewelry making in Russia

In Russia, jewelry-making developed under the influence of Byzantine traditions, but over time its own unique style was formed. In ancient Russia in the IX-XV centuries, jewelry was made of silver and gold using the technique of scanning, graining, masters used enamel in their work.

Gold and silver settings for precious stones were popular in Russia, which were considered a symbol of high position in society. Preference was given to semi-precious stones, rock crystal, amethysts and amber. Crosses, rings, bracelets and women's head jewelry, crowns, koruns and kokoshniks were popular.

During the period of the Moscow kingdom in the XV-XVII centuries at the court began to form workshops engaged in the manufacture of jewelry for high persons. The royal crown, scepter, baton and orb were inlaid with precious stones and noble metals. The pantries were constantly replenished with semi-precious stones, which were brought from all over the world. There also appeared jewelers-armorers, who specialized in decorating various items of weapons.

The services of jewelry masters were also used by the church. For its needs created gold and silver covers for icons, various items of worship.

Since the XVIII century in the Russian Empire actively developed jewelry manufactories on the European model, which at the initial stage contributed to the reforms of Peter the Great. During this period, the country began to build grinding and lapidary factories. And in the XIX century Russia entered the world elite of jewelry art thanks to the masters Carl Faberge, Pavel Ovchinnikov, Ivan Khlebnikov.

After the revolution of 1917 jewelry production was nationalized and private workshops were closed. In the 1930s, mass production of jewelry at state-owned factories began. However, in the 1960s and 1970s there was a revival of folk craft traditions such as scanning, filigree and enamel.

In the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, private jewelry in Russia was revived, and new well-known domestic brands appeared. Today Russian craftsmen successfully compete in the world market, creating exclusive collections and elite jewelry.

Traditions of celebrating the International Jeweler's Day: how it is celebrated in Russia and the world

The celebration of the Jeweler's Day is not a mass event, but the professional community celebrates it with corporate events, exhibitions and master classes.

In Russia, on January 31, jewelry exhibitions are held in a number of major cities, where exclusive jewelry collections are demonstrated. Professional competitions among master jewelers are held, specialized educational institutions organize lectures and master classes where students can learn new technologies of working with metals and stones.

In Italy, France and Switzerland many jewelry houses hold private shows of new collections on this holiday. In the U.S., jewelers use this day for charitable initiatives, donating part of the proceeds from the sale of jewelry to support young designers.

International Jeweler's Day 2025: whom and how to congratulate

On January 31, professional jewelers, jewelry designers, stone cutters, teachers and students of specialized universities and colleges, restorers, as well as collectors and connoisseurs of jewelry art receive congratulations. "Izvestia" prepared several examples of how to congratulate on the Day of the jeweler:

"Dear masters of jewelry art, we congratulate you on your professional holiday! May your talent and skill be recognized and inspiration never leave you!".

"We congratulate you on the International Jeweler's Day! Your work is an art that transforms the world and makes it brighter. Let each of your stones shine and your products delight people's hearts!".

"Dear masters of jewelry! You create beauty from metal and stone. May your labor always be appreciated at face value, your customers be grateful, and your work bring only joy. Happy holiday!".

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of celebrating the Day of the Russian Press.