The word jewelry is originated from the word "jewel." Further tracing leads the origin of "jewelry" from the Latin word "jocale," which means plaything. Body jewelry in literal terms consists of ornamental jewelry worn by people to show rank or wealth, or as fashion trend. It is typically made of gems like diamonds, solitaire, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. Costume jewelry, on the other hand, is made up of less valuable metals like glass, wood, ivory and plastic.

The most common form of body jewelry includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, earrings, hair ornaments, and much more.

The fashion of jewelry is not the origination of the recent years, but its actually roots lie in the cultures of ancient ages. For example, a 75,000 year-old shell bead necklace was discovered in a cave in southern Africa in 2004.

Keeping jewelry, especially that made out of precious stones and metals, is usually considered a symbol of being wealthy and prosperous. Some cultures have a practice of storing their wealth in the form of jewelry. In some religions like, wearing iconic jewelry is considered auspicious, and a wedding or an engagement ring is often symbolic of the union of two people. In the Indian tradition, a mangulsutra is the most sacred form of body jewelry worn by Hindu women.

The various forms of jewelry have been worn by both sexes across the world. Its form and metal can change, but the tradition and importance of wearing body jewelry never change with time.