The etymological study of 75 different languages with 350 words related to jewellery reveals that through this linguistic analysis we can virtually watch our ancestors thinking and wearing jewellery. We trace how different, closely interwoven semantic meanings and derivations have developed from phonetically existing basic forms. Our language shapes our understanding of jewellery today. The terms used always resonate with certain expectations, values and messages. Not infrequently, the words can be traced back across continents and over millennia. Rarely enough do we make ourselves aware of these universals that span the globe. For a contemporary form of expression in jewellery today, it is therefore worthwhile to know our linguistically deeply anchored frame of reference: the typically human pleasure in beautiful, rare and precious objects (e.g. gioièllo). Their role in our body consciousness (e.g. schmuck) and their very concrete use to enhance our attractiveness (e.g. paramento). We wear jewellery as a symbol of our spirituality (e.g. kosmos), our wealth (e.g. rota) and our status (e.g. ornament). Likewise, jewellery serves as a means of communication (e.g. bijoux) and as a link between sometimes distant cultures (e.g. tachshit). Or it bears witness to the love between two people (e.g. ehe). Why do we make and wear jewellery to this day? How do we show ourselves as Homo decorans and Homo decoratus? Where do we discover the transition between make-up and jewellery (e.g. pušk̨is)? What is the significance of colour and light effects in jewellery (e.g. decoration)? Let's talk about it! On 192 pages, the etymology of approx. 350 terms is examined from the point of view of designers. Photos of jewellery artists active today illustrate that the framing of jewellery terms is still valid today. The lexical section comprises 88 pages with terms and their derivations from about 75 living and historical languages.