Georgian Period To Retro Jewelry Design

Georgian Period: 1714-1830- The Georgian period usedLate Victorian (Aesthetic) Period: 1885-1900- This
naturalistic designs of leaves, birds, ribbons, feathers,was the age of the diamond. Authentic birds, claws
flowers and insects in engraved gemstones. Intaglioand scarabs were used and set in gold, bronze or
was employed in gemstone design. Cameo broochessilver, changing the symbolism of these time-honored
were once again featured and earrings saw a rise inornamentations. Exquisite pendants with pearls and
popularity with semi-precious stones embellishingvaricolored stones were used in the late 1880's.
these designs. Amethyst, turquoise, garnets andArts and Crafts Movement: 1894-1923- The Arts and
coveted pearls were seen in Georgian pieces.Crafts Exhibitions Society was formed in 1888 in
Early Victorian Period: 1837-1860- The Gothic Revivalopposition to the mass-production ideals of the
Movement featured religious sentiment and enameledIndustrial Revolution, preferring instead to keep their
jewelry reflected these ideals. Floral sprays, animalworkmanship generalized. These craftsmen utilized
themes and multicolored metal work came intobrilliantly colored uncut stones and created metalwork
prominence.of silver.
Mid-Victorian(Grand) Period: 1860-1885- EtruscanArt Nouveau Period: 1890-1915- Frenchman Rene
frame designs were employed in setting elaborateJules Lalique and American Louis Comfort Tiffany
multi-colored stone jewelry. Rosettes, seashells,were the leading Art Nouveau jewelry makers of the
mosaics and fringes became extremely popular. Intime. Art Nouveau was fantastical and stylized, using
1861, Prince Albert's death spawned themany flowing and feminine elements of vines, leaves,
omnipresence of jet, a hard, black semi-preciousbirds, scrolls, serpents, insects and flowers in its
stone able to be polished to a high sheen, in responsedesign. A transparent enamel, Plique-a-jour, was often
and in mourning of the Prince's passing. Lockets,employed without a metal backing for light dispersion.
chains, brooches and cuff bracelets were in vogue inScrolling gold work, pearls and cabochon gemstones
the 1880's.were used in very elaborate and romantic period.