Voyage through history starts in the 18th century, with the most critical periods of jewelry styles, popular items, and themes.
Antique
Artwork must be over 100 years old to be termed “antique.” Even though this is a large span, clear patterns might identify a work inside a century. In the 18th century, for example, ornate bodice ornamentation and long dangling earrings were popular. They were generally cushion-cut or rose-cut (flat on one side, faceted dome on the other) to capture and reflect faint illumination. Matching jewelry sets (parures) with a matching necklace, brooch, bracelet, earrings, and sometimes a tiara were famous in the nineteenth century. The rich flaunted their wealth by donning tiaras, large bangles, and costly necklaces. Colored gemstones were fashionable throughout the twentieth century.
Victorian
The Victorian age (1837-1880) is classified into three epochs: Romantic (1837-1860), Grand (1861-1880), and Aesthetic (1881-1880). (1861-1880). (1880-1901). Throughout the early Victorian period, designs included classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and even Greek and Roman mythology elements. (For instance, Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring.)
Hair combs and pins were crucial women’s accessories—hair ornaments made of gold, gems, and enamel. Cross pendants were popular in Victorian culture owing to their religious significance. Women wore lockets with daguerreotypes of loved ones. When Prince Albert died in 1861, the Queen wore all-black mourning jewelry. Jet, onyx, and black glass were popular materials in mid-Victorian or Grand Period jewelry. As a genuine tribute, human hair was also incorporated in designs. Skulls and skeletons were popular subjects for jewelry. Cameos were famous as a way to honor someone during this time.
The late Victorian Aesthetic Movement emphasized refined aesthetic sensibility and aesthetically appealing designs. The focus was on showcasing diamonds for their intrinsic beauty rather than as a statement of affluence. Diamonds were reserved for nocturnal events. Women preferred to wear less jewelry. As a consequence, jewelry became more compact and lightweight. The motifs of the Aesthetic Movement included peacocks, flowers, insects, and Japanese forms.
Mid-Century
Following WWII, jewelry grew more feminine, expensive, and elegant. Unlike the simple clothing patterns of the 1940s, mid-century jewelry features fun natural images such as animals, flowers, and vines. Popular elements included starbursts, figures, textured metal mesh, brushed or braided pieces.
After the war, traditional fine jewelry materials, such as platinum and diamonds, were reintroduced. In the same line, the tradition of matching brooch necklaces was introduced.
Modern
In the mid-1960s, a shift away from “traditional” jewelry started. Gold jewelry with organic forms and textures studded with gems was the norm. To develop bohemian and ethnic jewelry, modern jewelers took influence from other civilizations.