The Historical past of seven Jewellery Eras
Vintage jewellery gives a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and tradition of the previous, with every period abandoning its personal distinctive fashion and craftsmanship. This information was written by Benjamin Khordipour, a GIA-certified gemologist, writer, and one of many main voices on the planet of vintage and property jewellery.
- Georgian Period (1714 – 1837)
- The Victorian Period (1837 – 1901)
- Edwardian Period (1901 – 1915)
- Artwork Nouveau (1890 – 1910)
- Artwork Deco Period (1920 – 1945)
- Retro Period (1939 – 1950)
- Mid-Century Period (1950 – 1970)
1. The Georgian Period (1714 – 1837)
The Georgian Period lasted over 120 years and spanned 4 English Kings known as George: King George I, King George II, King George III, and King George IV. Whereas the period is spectacular merely due to its size of time, the truth is that in the course of the Georgian Period, jewellery superior rather more slowly than the jewellery types of different eras.
Excessive-quality Georgian-era jewellery is very troublesome to seek out right this moment. Most nice Georgian jewellery is in museums, misplaced, or has not stood the take a look at of time.
Stones and Metals in Georgian Jewellery
Jewellery from the Georgian Period consisted of yellow gold and silver. The favored gems in Georgian jewellery have been diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, glass, paste, topaz, and garnet.
Stone-cutting instruments and handcrafting strategies have been extremely underdeveloped, so Georgian jewellery is usually very straightforward up to now.
The diamond cuts are level cuts, desk cuts, previous mine cuts, vintage cushion cuts, single cuts, and rose cuts.
Motifs of Georgian Period Jewellery
Throughout the Georgian period, jewellery designs have been deeply influenced by the tradition and aesthetics of the time.
Probably the most beloved motifs of the Georgian period was nature itself, like delicate flowers, curling leaves, and sleek vines. They motifs have been quite common in rings, brooches, and necklaces. These pure components weren’t simply ornamental; they symbolized concepts like progress, renewal, and the passing of time.
Browse our Georgian Jewellery Assortment
Curious to see examples of Georgian Jewellery? Click on the button beneath to browse our assortment.
To be taught extra concerning the jewellery from the Georgian Period, click on right here to learn our full information.
2. The Victorian Period (1837 – 1901)
Not surprisingly, the Victorian Period refers to Queen Victoria of England. She reigned in the course of the 1800s and was straight answerable for many essential modifications in jewellery types. The period itself splits into three intervals, which correlate to the totally different intervals of Queen Victoria’s life:
- Romantic Victorian Period
- Grand Victorian Period
- Aesthetic Victorian Period
Stones and Metals in Victorian Jewellery
Jewellery from the Victorian Period is way extra prevalent than Georgian-era jewellery and extra accessible to seek out these days. Gold and silver remained the preferred metals within the Victorian Period. Stones well-liked throughout this time have been garnets, amethyst, turquoise, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds.
Motifs of Victorian Jewellery
Victorian jewellery mirrored the sweeping modifications and feelings of the period. Moreover, the Victorian motifs weren’t simply ornamental however somewhat they usually carried deep which means, impressed by the struggles and hopes of the time.
Floral themes have been particularly well-liked, with every flower chosen to convey a particular message. Jewellery grew to become a approach to communicate with out phrases, whether or not via a forget-me-not brooch or a rose-shaped pendant. Lockets and mourning items added to this emotional storytelling, typically holding a lock of hair or a tiny portrait of a beloved one.
On the similar time, there was a powerful curiosity previously. Victorian designs borrowed closely from earlier eras, like Gothic arches, Renaissance scrolls, and even historic Egyptian and Greek symbols. You’ll see this affect in detailed cameos, filigree, and Etruscan-style patterns.
Animal motifs have been additionally in vogue, particularly snakes, which symbolized everlasting love and loyalty. In truth, Queen Victoria’s personal engagement ring was formed like a serpent.
Browse our Victorian Jewellery Assortment
Curious to see examples of Victorian Jewellery? Click on the button to browse our assortment.
3. Edwardian Period (1901 – 1915)
The Edwardian Period follows the reign of England’s King Edward VII. King Edward VII reigned from 1901-1910 and was the final monarch to function a namesake in jewellery historical past.
This crucial jewellery interval, also referred to as the La Belle Epoque Period, was the primary time platinum was formally part of the jewellery scene. Though platinum was first crafted with gold, it shortly grew in reputation and was later an merchandise of its personal.
Stones and Metals in Edwardian Jewellery
Diamonds, onyx, and pearls retained their prestigious standing throughout this era. Coloured gems like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies have been hardly utilized, and in the event that they have been, they have been often relegated to the position of accenting stones at finest.
Platinum was the dominant steel in the course of the Edwardian Period, shortly surpassing gold. Platinum was additionally included with gold to create a fantastic mixed-metal impact.
Motifs of Edwardian Jewellery
Edwardian jewellery skilled a large shift in fashion away from the Victorian period. Frequent motifs in Edwardian jewellery mirrored the prevailing spirit of the time, which was marked by class, femininity, and a fascination with delicacy. Platinum grew to become a popular steel resulting from its power and talent to accommodate intricate designs, and this steel has remained well-liked amongst high-jewelry until right this moment.
Edwardian Motifs usually included bows, garlands, and ribbons. Floral designs, particularly that includes delicate blossoms like roses and lilies, have been additionally outstanding. Pearls, diamonds, and coloured gems have been extremely popular and used to boost the jewellery’s glow. This contributed to the general air of refinement that defines the Edwardian jewellery.
Browse our Edwardian Jewellery Assortment
Curious to see Edwardian Jewellery? Click on the button to buy Edwardian assortment.
4. Artwork Nouveau (1890 – 1910)
The Artwork Nouveau interval, derived from the French for “New Artwork,” was named after the 1895 opening of Siegfried Bing’s Parisian gallery “Maison de l’Artwork Nouveau.” This period’s aesthetics can be Arts and Crafts, Jugendstil, Liberty Type, and Secession, to call just a few.
Designs of this period are natural, flowery, and draping. Whereas the timeframe of the interval overlaps with the Edwardian Period, the types have been completely totally different. Whereas Edwardian Period jewellery is filled with element, symmetrical, and delicate, Artwork Nouveau jewellery is a celebration of free type. Artwork Nouveau fashion incorporates an natural construction with no symmetry.
Real Artwork Nouveau jewellery from the early 1900s may be very troublesome to seek out. The Artwork Nouveau jewellery that has survived may be very exhausting to acquire.
Stones and Metals in Artwork Nouveau Jewellery
Artwork Nouveau jewellery was recognized for its progressive use of each stones and metals, reflecting the motion’s departure from conventional jewellery conventions. Frequent stones in Artwork Nouveau items included opals, moonstones, and pearls, chosen for his or her ethereal, iridescent qualities that mimicked the play of sunshine present in nature.
These stones have been usually set in delicate, flowing designs that celebrated their pure magnificence. Metals like silver and gold remained well-liked, however what set Artwork Nouveau aside was the introduction of latest supplies like enamel, glass, and horn. Enamel work was significantly notable, with jewelers utilizing it to create vibrant, iridescent surfaces that complemented the natural motifs of their designs.
This mix of unconventional supplies and a deep reverence for nature allowed Artwork Nouveau jewellery to face out as a novel and progressive motion on the planet of ornamental arts.
Motifs of Artwork Nouveau Jewellery
Artwork Nouveau jewellery, which emerged within the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, was a exceptional departure from the previous creative types. Frequent motifs in Artwork Nouveau jewellery have been characterised by a profound celebration of nature’s magnificence and the embrace of asymmetry and fluid, natural varieties. This motion drew inspiration from the pure world, that includes motifs like sinuous vines, flowing water, bugs, and unique flowers.
Designers of Artwork Nouveau jewellery sought to seize the essence of nature’s grace and vitality, usually incorporating iridescent supplies like enamel and opals to imitate the play of sunshine and shade within the pure world. The emphasis on sensuous, curvilinear strains and the rejection of inflexible symmetry marked a big departure from the prevailing types of the time, giving rise to jewellery items that weren’t solely stunning but additionally embodied the spirit of creative freedom and individuality.
Browse our Artwork Nouveau Jewellery Assortment
Do you wish to store Artwork Nouveau Jewellery?
Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the Artwork Nouveau Period.
5. Artwork Deco Period (1920 – 1945)
The Artwork Deco interval, rising after the conclusion of World Struggle I, took its title from the French architect Le Corbusier. He titled the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes merely “1925 Expo: Artwork Deco.”
A far cry from Georgian Period and Victorian Period jewellery, Artwork Deco Jewellery is understood for being geometrical, angular, and clear look. The Artwork Deco fashion impressed many architects to design landmarks utilizing these ideas.
Stones and Metals in Artwork Deco Jewellery
Artwork Deco jewellery, which emerged in the course of the Nineteen Twenties and Nineteen Thirties, showcased a hanging departure from the natural and flowing types of Artwork Nouveau. Frequent stones and metals in Artwork Deco jewellery have been chosen to emphasise geometric precision and a way of opulence. Diamonds took middle stage, with their dazzling brilliance and pristine readability being extremely wanted. Different gems like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds have been usually used so as to add vibrant bursts of shade, making a daring and contrasting impact.
Platinum was the popular steel resulting from its power and talent to carry intricate, angular designs. The mix of those valuable stones and metals allowed Artwork Deco jewellery to attain its signature aesthetic: glossy strains, sharp angles, and a way of luxurious and class that outlined the period’s modernity and class.
Motifs of Artwork Deco Jewellery
Artwork Deco was characterised by a definite shift in design motifs, departing from the natural types of Artwork Nouveau. Frequent motifs in Artwork Deco jewellery have been marked by geometric precision, symmetry, and a way of opulence. Geometric shapes similar to triangles, rectangles, and circles have been outstanding, usually organized in intricate patterns that conveyed a powerful sense of order and class.
Egyptian and architectural influences additionally performed a big position, with motifs like pyramids, chevrons, and stepped designs reflecting the fascination with the unique and the trendy.
Moreover, using daring, contrasting shade mixtures and supplies like onyx, coral, and jade added a hanging visible influence to Artwork Deco jewellery, making it an iconic illustration of the period’s opulence and creative innovation.
Browse our Artwork Deco Jewellery Assortment
Do you wish to browse examples of Artwork Deco Jewellery?
If you wish to be taught extra concerning the Artwork Deco Period, click on right here.
6. Retro Period (1939 – 1950)
The Retro Period concluded with the top of World Struggle II. The fashion is closely impressed by the struggle and the victory that adopted.
The symmetrical component from the Artwork Deco Period was not disregarded with the shift into the Retro Period, however somewhat was interpreted right into a bolder and stronger design. Many jewellery items, in reality, included each eras.
Stones and Metals in Retro Period Jewellery
Retro period jewellery, which flourished in the course of the Forties and Nineteen Fifties, was a direct expression of the age.
Frequent metals in Retro period jewellery included yellow gold, usually utilized in daring, chunky designs that conveyed a way of luxurious and opulence. Rose gold additionally made a resurgence, including a heat and romantic hue to many items. Moreover, and though it didn’t achieve an excessive amount of reputation but, white gold was beginning to develop into a more-attainable substitute for platinum.
Probably the most outstanding stones throughout this period have been coloured gems like amethysts, rubies, aquamarines, citrines, and sapphires. The gems have been usually giant, they usually have been often showcased in giant eye-catching settings.
These gems added a glamorous and colourful dimension to Retro jewellery.
Motifs of Retro Period Jewellery
Frequent motifs in Retro period jewellery included patriotic symbols similar to stars and stripes. Floral motifs, particularly using rose, scrolls and bow designs have been additionally extremely popular, often with a daring interpretation. Tank motifs have been one of the well-liked motifs.
Retro jewellery additionally embraced daring, three-dimensional varieties, usually that includes outsized gems like aquamarines, amethysts, and citrines in elaborate settings. This period’s designs, with their sense of grandeur and enthusiasm, have been a mirrored image of the period’s newfound prosperity and the need to have fun life after a interval of hardship, making Retro period jewellery a novel mix of historical past, sentiment, and Hollywood-inspired attract.
Browse our Retro Period Jewellery Assortment
Click on the button beneath to browse our assortment of Retro Jewellery.
7. Mid-Century Period (1950 – Nineteen Seventies)
The Mid-Century Period of jewellery emerged within the era proper after World Struggle II. It was a time of excessive optimism and nice innovation. And because the girls lastly returned to vogue and glamour after years of wartime restraint, jewellery adopted go well with. The design was one in all victory and it was bolder and brighter than any of the jewellery period earlier than it.
Designs throughout this period moved away from the ornate types of the sooner eras. The Mid-century, just like the Artwork Deco and retro eras, embraced clear strains and geometric shapes. The jewellery mirrored the spirit of the time. The vibe was assured, trendy, and unafraid to face out. From glossy cocktail rings to dramatic earrings, Mid-Century items is well recognizable.
Stones and Metals in Mid-Century Jewellery
A lot of the Mid-Century jewellery was all about making a powerful assertion. Diamonds have been nonetheless in excessive demand, however colourful gems like aquamarine, citrine, amethyst, and turquoise additionally have been extremely well-liked.
Designers weren’t shy about mixing and layering gems for distinction and visible influence, particularly when creating 3D illusions.
Yellow gold dominated the early a part of the period, giving approach to platinum and white gold as tastes advanced.
Texture was additionally a powerful theme in the course of the Mid-Century with brushed, braided, and sculpted gold designs rising in reputation. A number of the most iconic designs of the time got here from jewellery homes like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co., all of whom pushed the boundaries of creativity in each type and materials.
Motifs of Mid-Century Jewellery
The motifs of Mid-Century jewellery mirrored the optimism and innovation of the period. Atomic-age shapes, starbursts, boomerangs, and summary strains grew to become frequent themes, echoing the area race and trendy artwork actions.
Jewellery wasn’t simply an adjunct, however one other approach to voice your opinion of the fast-changing world.
Floral motifs remained well-liked, however with a extra stylized, trendy twist. Animals (particularly birds and massive cats) made frequent appearances within the jewellery, usually in whimsical and artistic varieties. Mid-Century designers weren’t afraid to blur the road between jewellery and sculpture.
Browse our Retro Period Jewellery Assortment
Click on the button beneath to browse our assortment of Mid-Century Jewellery.
Contact Us
Do you want assist discovering a classic piece of jewellery? Be at liberty to achieve out to our useful workers.
