Victorian jewelry originated in England and was a popular style during the reign of Queen Victoria. She introduced various trends to the Victorian jewelry industry. Some of these trends include lighter, smaller pieces, and Ancient Scottish and Roman motifs. However, you should remember to choose pieces that fit your personal style. These pieces can be a great way to dress up your wardrobe and make a statement.
Ancient Egyptian, Roman and Etruscan motifs
During the archaic era, jewelry became large and complex. Large earrings, long necklaces, and heavy pendants were common. Men wore large diadems, while women wore hair spirals, rings, bracelets, and earrings in the shape of grape clusters. Etruscan motifs were often used on body jewelry, as well as in clothing.
In the later period, the Etruscans became more widespread. Their gold jewellery was often ornamented with intricate filigree and granulation, and was adorned with gems and semi-precious stones. Some pieces were modeled after the Etruscan Revival style.
The Victorian era also brought about a revival of Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian designs. These styles influenced Victorian jewelry, and they remain popular today. For example, Amy Roper Lyons’ enameled insects evoke Egyptian scarab beetles, dragonflies, and diadems.
Jewelry was popular in ancient Egypt and aristocratic classes wore the most elaborate pieces. They also used colored gemstones to enhance the looks of their jewelry. Some of the Egyptian designs were based on mythological figures. However, new Egyptian jewelry often featured a modern edge. For example, Egyptian revival jewelry may feature a stylized eye, representing the Eye of Horus, an ancient symbol of prosperity.
Ancient Scottish motifs
Ancient Scottish motifs are found in a wide variety of Victorian jewelry. Many pieces feature a variety of stones. Scottish pebbles, cairngorm, bloodstone, and jasper are common stones used in this type of jewelry. Other stones and metals that can be found in Scottish jewelry include silver, granite, and freshwater pearls.
The popularity of Scottish jewelry traces back to the early 1840s, when Queen Victoria purchased the Balmoral estate in Scotland. She loved her Scottish heritage, and soon began collecting Scottish antiques and jewelry. She popularized Celtic crosses and kilt pins, as well as agate jewelry. Victorian Scottish jewelry was often made of silver or gold, and included a variety of regional gems.
The Victorians also used the ancient Scottish motif of the Claddagh. The clasped hands symbolized loyalty and strength. In addition, the Victorians often used their own creativity to express their feelings. For example, they might exchange gemstones in a particular order or that spelled out a word.
Monograms
Monograms on Victorian jewelry are an excellent example of the evolution of the monogram. While it may have been the Church that introduced the practice of using letters as decorative elements, it later made its way to other areas of life, such as fashion. Originally, monograms were used to prevent pieces of clothing from getting lost in the wash, but later they started appearing on decorative items. The French designer Louis Vuitton was one of the first to monogram leather goods, starting in 1876. The popularity of monograms during this period may also have been influenced by class anxiety during the Victorian era.
Before the industrial revolution, monogrammed pieces were typically created by hand, but after the Industrial Revolution, monogrammed jewelry became an industry and the demand for such pieces increased dramatically. During this period, monogrammed items were highly sought after by upper-class Victorian families. They believed a monogram represented the ultimate sign of status and wealth. In the Victorian era, some of the most popular items with monograms were class rings, locket necklaces, and expandable bracelets.
Lighter and smaller pieces
Lighter and smaller pieces of Victorian jewelry were increasingly popular during the Victorian era. Victorian jewelry was also less heavy than earlier styles and was more likely to have delicate designs. Many pieces of Victorian jewelry were handcrafted. The Aesthetic Movement, which promoted the beauty of natural materials, also played an important role. This movement led to many pieces of Victorian jewelry being fashioned into delicate pieces and incorporating optimistic religious messages.
The Victorians used a variety of gemstones in their jewelry. In addition to diamonds, they also used emeralds and opals. The cabochon cut was especially popular with emeralds and opals. The era also saw the development of cluster diamond jewelry. In addition to gold, silver and platinum became popular for jewelry making. Gunmetal, a metal alloy composed of zinc, copper and nickel, was also popular during this time. Despite the new metals, gold remained a popular choice for Victorian jewelry.
During the late Victorian period, jewellery designs were simpler and more feminine. They were lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Princess Alexandra, who was Queen during this time, was credited with making these styles popular. In addition, Victorian jewelry manufacturing shifted from handcrafted to machine-made pieces, resulting in cheaper jewellery. This increased the appeal of Victorian jewelry to the middle class.
