The Victorian Era

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hat is Victorian Jewelry?

Victorian Jewelry refers to the styles of jewelry that were fashionable during the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, from her coronation in 1837 until her death in 1901. Queen Victoria loved to wear jewelry. She was also very influential with women of her time and whatever caught her fancy turned into fashion.

What is Estate Jewelry?

Estate Jewelry is simply previously owned jewelry. The jewelry may be from years past or it may be from current times. Jewelry from the Victorian Era is estate jewelry, as is all has either been handed down or sold by the original owners.

What is Antique Jewelry?

Antique Jewelry is previously owned jewelry which, according to the US Customs Bureau, must be authenticated as at least 100 years old in order to be called an antique. Jewelry from the Victorian Era would be considered antique jewelry.

What is Period Jewelry?

Period Jewelry is jewelry that has recognizable characteristics from a specific design period. The jewelry from the Victorian Era has many identifying themes and styles. (More information follows below).

What are some of the recognizable Periods of Jewelry?

Georgian Period Early Victorian (Romantic) Period Mid-Victorian (Grand) Period Late Victorian (Aesthetic) Period Art Nouveau Period Arts and Crafts Period Edwardian Period Art Deco Period Retro Period

1714 - 1837 1837 - 1860 1860 - 1880 1880 - 1901 1880 - 1914 1890 - 1914 1901 - 1910 1920 - 1940 1935 - 1950

How did the Industrial Revolution impact jewelry in the Victorian Era?

The quality and quantity of Victorian Jewelry was greatly influenced by the Industrial Revolution, not a political revolution, as Queen Victoria reigned during a time of general peace and prosperity. The Industrial Revolution brought rapid social and economic change and the growth of a successful, middle class who were eager to spend their money on lavish jewelry and show off their wealth. In addition, with industrialization came new processes that made it possible to produce jewelry in large quantities and in a wide variety of styles. New tools and technologies were developed for mining and working with metals. The invention of the steam engine in the 1850's and the stamping of gold settings made it possible to produce jewelry in large quantities. Prior to this time, jewelry was handcrafted and unique and only affordable to the rich. Although mass-production stimulated sales and affordability of Victorian Jewelry, it also resulted in a drop in quality. This made it more difficult for the jewelers that placed greater importance on craftmanship. After years of mass produced jewelry, however, people eventually returned to a desire for jewelryof quality and uniqueness.

What are recognizable characteristics of Victorian Jewelry?

Early Victorian jewelry styles were often light, delicate designs that featured scroll work, floral sprays, multicolor gold work and themes from nature and gardening, such as flowers, trees, insects, seashells, birds, and animals. Flowers were highly symbolic and very prevalent in Victorian designs. Serpents (representing eternity, wisdom and good luck) were a favorite motif of Queen Victoria's. Victoria was a romantic and her love for her husband and devotion to her children were sentiments that found their way into her jewelry. She wore lockets that held pictures of her family on a charm bracelet and jewelry with hearts, bows and romantic sayings. Also very popular was jewelry made from the hair of a loved one (living or deceased). Victoria was proud of her Scottish ancestry, making Scottish motifs popular - knots, buckles, heraldic crests and native stones like agate, citrine, cairngorm, and bloodstone. A surge in religious feelings and the Gothic Revival Movement influenced a renewed interest in enamel jewelry.

During the Mid-Victorian 1860's and 1870's, the styles evolved into heavier, more conservative styles. Popular jewelry included colored stone jewelry sets, heavy lockets and chains, cuff bracelets, and brooches. With the death of Prince Albert in 1861, mourning jewelry and jewelry made with jet, onyx, and black enamel increased in popularity for a time. Diamonds were discovered in South Africa in 1867, making diamonds more accessible and affordable. [ continued ]

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