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The History of Jewelry
Fashion and Jewelry have been tightly coupled throughout all the ages.
Current events as well as people also played major roles in the evolution of
jewelry styles and designs.
Period Name |
Time Period |
Facts & Period Characteristics |
| Georgian |
1760 -1837 |
Much political unrest in Europe and the US. (The French & American Revolutions, Napoleon Wars, War between the US and Great Britain, The Prussian War of Liberation) Ironwork & cut steel jewelry popular due to the need for precious metals in the various war efforts. Handpainted mourning jewelry was popular as remembrances of loved ones. |
| Victorian |
Early Victorian 1837 - 1860s Romantic Period (Victoria and Albert) |
Era began when Victoria
ascended the throne of England in 1837. Intricate engravings with delicate enameling is popular. Coral, seed beads, coral and turquoise are the gems of choice. Floral motifs, and animals - such as snakes in jewelry designs were common. |
|
Mid Victorian 1860 - 1889 The Grand Period |
Prince Albert's death in 1861 sent Queen Victoria into deep mourning. This monumental event was also carried over into the fashion world. Heaviness and dark colors dominated jewelry themes. Hair was worked into Mourning jewelry Jet, Bog Oak, Gutta Percha and Vulcanite were popular mediums for jewelry |
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Late Victorian 1889 - 1905 Aesthetic Period |
Queen Victoria celebrates her golden jubilee as Queen. Death of the Queen in 1901 puts an end to this era as well. Jewelry as well as fabrics become lighter with curves and straighter lines. Jewelry became smaller than the past era. Diamonds and pastes are popular as evening wear. Cultured pearls are introduced to the market in 1893. |
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Edwardian (La Belle Epoche) |
1890s - 1915 |
Jewelry was delicate, light and airy - in opposition to the previous era of heaviness & dark colors. Pierced filigrees, bows, ribbons and baskets, diamonds (or pastes) were mixed with pearls. The garland style with flowers and leaves were worked into swag and wreath designs. Chatelaines were resurrected, sautoirs, as well as lavaliers and even tiaras were at the height of fashion. |
| Art Nouveau |
1890s - 1919 |
Insects, animals & nature are very popular motifs. Dragonflies, flies, bats, as well as vines, tendrils and flowers were popular. 'plique a jour' enameling was very jewelry as it gave an airy & translucent quality to the jewelry. |
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Arts & Crafts (Mission Style) |
1890 - 1914 |
Era has roots in Europe where a social revolt against the consequences of the industrial revolution on individual workers was taking place. Emphasis on hand-crafted items using the palettes of organic colors (moss greens, terra cotta, warm browns, ambers & mustard) and use of natural materials such as bronze, brass, copper and glass. Hammering of the metal was a very popular technique |
| Transitional |
1915 - 1925 |
The era when the design elements of Victorian, Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts were still major styles. Art deco was also coming into its own. Jewelry from this era may portray various design elements from all the styles popular at this time. |
| Art Deco |
1920s - 1930s |
Divided into 2 phases: 1920s - Richly-colored, extreme geometric patterns 1930s - More elegant designs with rounded geometric forms. Use of a cooler pallet of colors such as pastels is popular. |
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Art Moderne |
1935 - 1940 |
Asymmetrical, sleek, streamlined and unornamented in appearance. Can be confused with Art deco, however they are two separate and distinct styles. Deco is more showy in appearance with its geometric designs being composed of more detailed elements. |
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Retro |
1940s - 1950 |
Flamboyant curves mixed with bows and curvilinear designs. Yellow, pink, rose and green gold were used. World War II brought about a shortage of gold and platinum. Sterling silver was plated with golds of various colors. Large singular gemstones of glass were used to further accent jewelry. Jewelry was mostly oversized. |
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Age of Rhinestones (Glamourous '50s) |
1950s |
Heavy use of rhinestones in various colors. Aurora Borealis became popular Big beads in many colors also popular.
Dresses, purses, trinket
boxes, smoking accessories, etc. |
