Victorian Jewelry
Many amazingly beautiful and incredibly valuable jewels laze buried among forgotten ancestor heirlooms, in grandmas jewel case and occasionally even at flea bazaars and garage sale. Barely considering where the relic is discovered - amidst primordial remains or on top of the attic, antique pieces have a charm that certainly enthralls the antique aficionados.
Inspired from Queen Victoria, Victorian jewelry was born. Her love for her family led to the reproduction of Victorian style jewelry that nonetheless remarks sentiments, romance and symbol. Embellishments like necklaces, bracelets, and rings that are created from precious metals engraved with gemstones were carried on during the Victorian era, basically as a special beautification for oneself. However, the main purpose remains showing off wealth while secondarily, to accompany fashion and style to the clothing. The most typical pieces of jewel sported were ring, pin, necklace and earrings. It was on the 19th century when jewelry sets were given recognition. That included the chain and watch sets. The gem revisited in fame pro Victorian women. Engagement rings were described romantic having it engraved with the words ‘dearest’ or ‘regard’, charmed in painted stones like rube, amethyst, emerald and topaz. After 1870, diamond bands became sought after and were frequently used as engagement rings.
Most of the Victorian jewels reflect about great tragedies, epic romance and unprecedented prosperity. The creations echoed the ever-changing affluences where three broad epochs were known.
Firstly, Victorian era meant a romantic era, as this was commonly the time of marital happiness and blissful family life. The Queen herself wedded Prince Albert, making their love a romantic thrust during this romantic period. Early Victorian period jewelry this time mirrored a sense of confident serenity. Decorations were consist of ornaments in bold gold, serpentine designs, flimsy enamel creations and elaborate engravings. The gemstones were often toned with turquoise beads, seed pearls and pink corals. What became a common motif were the floral and naturalistic patterns.
Hair jewelry became also legendary during this romantic period. Though oftentimes linked with mourning jewels, many creations of hair jewelry were handed out as sentimental mementos for the wearer to always be remembered or be close to a distant loved one, friend, or anyone dear and special. The magnificence of these fine jewels is beyond belief. This period tragically ended when the Queen’s husband died. Unbelievably, they mourned for 27 long years.
Victorian period was also called grand where Victorian jewelry these times took the darker shades and more solemn hues. The once glittering trinkets during the romantic period were no longer a fad. What took place was the dark onyx, whitby jet and intense red garnets set in gold charms. Gold production increased which led to the rebirth of olden gold-working designs and techniques. There was also a rising significance in sports eventually representing sports-themed jewels. A different remarkable sway on Victorian jewelry design and probably the most momentous too was the trade relations opening in Japan in 1853. A number of Japanese artistry soon was introduced and was almost integrated to every from of jewelry design like the paintings, furniture, clothing, architecture and some decorative arts.
The last Victorian era hailed as the Aesthetic period became an unswerving response to the excessive tolerant trends and to stifling formalities and firm etiquette during the Grand era. Finally after 27 mourning years, Victorians had grieved enough. A sense of lightheartedness and fun echoed to Victorian jewelry creations where fanciful themes emerged such as dragons and griffins, salamanders, moons, butterflies, and stars. Princess Alexandra, Queen Victoria’s in-law became the renowned personage existed whom fashion manners pursued. Her necklace with dog collar designs became a core.
Antique lovers inevitably befall book collectors on antiques at the same time; become devoted lovers of antique creations like the Victorian jewelry. The sentimental worth of each collection is always more than valuable than its monetary value.