Jewelry has been worn by humans for thousands of years, and its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint. However, the oldest known jewelry dates back to around 25,000 years ago during the Upper Paleolithic period.

During this time, people created jewelry from a variety of materials, including animal teeth, bone, and shells. They used these materials to make necklaces, bracelets, and other decorative items. The earliest known examples of jewelry were found in the caves of Croatia and Siberia, and they were likely used for both personal adornment and symbolic purposes.

As humans progressed through history, jewelry became more sophisticated and was made from a wider range of materials, including precious metals and gemstones. The ancient Egyptians were known for their elaborate jewelry designs, while the Greeks and Romans also created intricate jewelry using gold and precious stones.

Today, jewelry continues to be a popular form of personal adornment, with designs ranging from simple and classic to bold and innovative.

It is generally not recommended to wear jewelry in the shower, especially if the jewelry is made of materials such as gold, silver, or platinum. This is because soap, shampoo, and other chemicals commonly used in the shower can damage the metal, cause tarnishing or discoloration, and even scratch the surface of gemstones.

Water and moisture can also cause damage to jewelry over time, particularly if it seeps into the small crevices and spaces between the metal and gemstones. This can lead to corrosion, rust, or even loosen the setting, causing the gemstones to fall out.

Therefore, it's best to remove jewelry before taking a shower or engaging in any water-based activities such as swimming, as exposure to water and chemicals can cause damage or deterioration to the jewelry. If you do accidentally wear your jewelry in the shower or get it wet, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth as soon as possible.

Jewelry should primarily be purchased with the the occassion, symbolism, and personal preference of the wearer in my mind. That being said, jewelry can be a good investment over time depending on a variety of factors.

The value of jewelry can hold and even appreciate in value over time IF it is made from high-quality materials such as precious metals and diamonds. The design and craftsmanship of the jewelry will also effect the value. The condition of the jewelry will also have a large impact on the value over time so it's important to regularly perform maintenance like cleaning and repairs to ensure your jewelry is kept as close to new condition as possible.

In most cases, yes, jewelry can be repaired. The extent of the repair is going to depend on the type of damage, the materials, and the type of jewelry that needs repairing.

For example:

• For necklace chains or clasps, they can usually be repaired depending on the type of chain used.
• For rings, if a gemstone falls out of a setting, it can usually be reset in the old setting or the setting can often be replaced.

There are instances jewelry cannot be repaired such as cracked gemstones and severely bent or twisted metal. In these cases, it often makes more sense to replace the jewelry entirely.