The oldest jewelry in the world

The oldest pieces of man-made jewelry were discovered by scientists. They include 3 snails that date to 90,000 - 100,000 years old.

Two of them came from Skhul Cave at Carmel slopes in Israel. The other county is located in the Oued Djebbana area in Algeria. These decorative pieces have surpassed 25,000 years compared to the oldest known specimen.

These pea-shaped objects have similar holes to be able to string into a necklace or bracelet.

All 3 nuts are from molluscs living in the sea called Nassarius; they are selected in size and are punctured by a flint sharpening tool.

" The interesting thing about these necklaces is they are symbolic. When you wear them, you're sending a message, " said Professor Chris Stringer at the Natural History Museum. "The message may be that we are strong, rich, or sexy, or we belong to a group, or to ward off evil spirits. They are not only for decoration but also for social significance ."

MT