The Victorian Era (1837 – 1901) was a period of significant societal, industrial, and artistic transformation. Lasting over 60 years, it left a lasting impact on fashion, art, and culture that persists today. The Victorian Era saw the emergence of The Aesthetic Movement in response to the inhumane conditions of the Industrial Revolution and the repetitive designs of consumer goods, prioritizing beauty over socio-political commentary. The era marked a golden age for economic prosperity and growth in the jewelry industry, combining technology and artistry to produce beautiful and affordable jewelry for the middle and upper classes. With the clear divide between social classes, jewelry became a marker of status, with specific rules dictating what could be worn by different segments of society. For example, an older woman would be permitted to wear precious stones, while young unmarried women were barred from it.
Victorian art, fashion, and architecture can be divided into three distinct sub-periods, each reflecting the time’s evolving societal and cultural landscape. Early Victorian (1837-1860) jewelry was inspired by the love between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. These designs feature motifs reflecting friendship, love, nature, family, or happiness, such as stars, moon, animals, and plants. After he died in 1861, the Mid period began by introducing darker and heavier pieces such as mourning jewelry. Designs often included dark stones such as garnet, amethyst, and onyx with motifs like wreaths, angels, flowers, or even a loved one’s hair. The Late Victorian era (1880-1901) shifted towards smaller and lighter jewelry influenced by the Aesthetic Movement, featuring whimsical designs symbolizing romance and good fortune, such as insects, stars, dragons, animals, and flowers.
*Featured image is an example of an Early Period ring featuring a hand design set in 15k yellow gold with seed pearls, a small Old Mine-cut diamond and garnets. In keeping with the period, the back of the ring features a beveled glass locket.
A victorian mourning ring featuring a woven, encased lock of hair surrounded by seed pearls set in a 14k rose gold mount which can be purchased at: https://www.langantiques.com/victorian-mourning-ring-with-woven-hair-and-seed-pearls.html
A Late Period broach featuring a starburst motif with a fancy yellow diamond and Old Mine rose-cut diamonds in an 18k yellow gold mounting surround it.
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/victorian-period-jewelry-1837-1860
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