Period Jewelry
Georgian Era (1714-1837), in which every piece was hand-crafted and therefore very valuable.
Victorian Era (1837-1890) provided jewelry fashion with three distinct periods of design which include:
Arts & Crafts Movement (1894-1923) Features simplified forms that were a hand-made product of the "Artisan’s Rebellion to the Industrial Revolution"
Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915) was popularized by the famous French jeweler LaLique and those who followed.
Edwardian Era (1901-1910) named after Queen Victoria’s son, Edward
Art Deco Style (1920-1935.)
Georgian Era (1714-1837), in which every piece was hand-crafted and therefore very valuable.
Victorian Era (1837-1890) provided jewelry fashion with three distinct periods of design which include:
- Early Romantic Victorian (1837-1850)
- Grand Mid-Victorian (1860-1880)
- Late Aesthetic Victorian (1885-1890)
Arts & Crafts Movement (1894-1923) Features simplified forms that were a hand-made product of the "Artisan’s Rebellion to the Industrial Revolution"
Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915) was popularized by the famous French jeweler LaLique and those who followed.
Edwardian Era (1901-1910) named after Queen Victoria’s son, Edward
Art Deco Style (1920-1935.)
Mourning Jewelry
Mourning jewellery first became very popular with the passing of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Victoria was so devastated by his death, she dressed in mourning clothes for the remainder of her life.
Victorian widows were expected to mourn their husbands for at least 2 years, but only after the first year was jewellery permitted. Mourning jewellery serves 3 main functions:
Victorian widows were expected to mourn their husbands for at least 2 years, but only after the first year was jewellery permitted. Mourning jewellery serves 3 main functions:
- It was an outward manifestation that the person had not been forgotten.
- It was a 'memento mori' - a reminder to the living of the inevitability of death
- It was a status symbol.
Eternity Band
A band that has the diamonds continuously go around with not end or beginning.
Natural Vs. Cultured Pearls
- Natural pearls and cultured pearls are created in different ways. Natural pearls occur in the wild, without any human assistance. They are hunted and are quite rare. When found, the pearls are harvested, cleaned and made into jewelry. Cultured pearls, on the other hand, are grown under tightly controlled conditions by pearl farmers. Farmers plant a core made up of mussel shell into an oyster or mussel; then the oyster or mussel forms a pearl around this irritant, just as they do when forming natural pearls. Pearl farmers design cultured pearls from start to finish, ensuring they are perfectly shaped and luminous. Once harvested, the pearls are cleaned, and some are treated and bleached before being made into jewelry. Both natural and cultured pearls can be freshwater or saltwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are created or occur in mussels, while saltwater pearls are created or occur in oysters.
- Natural pearls and cultured pearls have different features. Natural pearls vary in size and luminosity, though most have a stunning iridescent quality. They are also found in a variety of shapes and sizes simply because they are wild. Cultured pearls have some of the same qualities, but they will most often be uniformly shaped and sized, and they can also be dyed or bleached to achieve different colors and luster.
- Natural pearls and cultured pearls have different price ranges. Because natural pearls are rare and difficult to find, they are typically quite expensive. Perfect strands of natural pearls are even more uncommon and can be among the most expensive pieces of jewelry. Cultured pearls can also be expensive, depending on their luster, shape and size, but are available in a range of prices. Both natural and cultured pearls of all varieties can be a valuable jewelry investment, so shop for and purchase your pearl jewelry carefully.
