The Victorian Era of jewelry, times of romanticism, takes place during Queen Victoria reign from 1837 until her death in 1901.
Her marriage and wedding to Albert portrays many attributes of the time–Victoria was presented with an engagement ring that featured a snake with an emerald-set head (birthstones rather than diamonds were used in engagement rings, and snakes were a symbol of eternal love). Her wedding dress featured a large sapphire and diamond brooch - a present from the future husband. With the death of Albert some 20 years later, this tragic event also influenced the world of jewelry. Having Queen Victoria constantly wearing black, black enameling became very popular as well as jet beads and onyx gemstone.
Victorian Era Fashion and Jewelry Motifs:
- sentimental and nature inspired themes: hearts, bows, flowers
and birds. - semi-precious stones such as garnets, amethyst, coral, turquoise and pearls were especially popular due to their low price. Victoria herself highly appreciated opals.
- gold became less expensive to work with, jewelers experimented with granulation, chasing, filigree and engraving.
Antique jewelry from Victorian period often features antique Old Mine and Rose Cut diamonds as well as other colorful gemstones and made of yellow or rose gold. It was during this era that the Tiffany & Co. engagement ring setting was introduced.
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