The Georgian Era is a period of British history dated from 1714 to 1830, covering the reigns of the four Kings all named George. Sometimes the reign of William IV is also included and extends the era up to 1837.
Rise of Napoleon's empire brought dramatic changes into fashion: delicate draped dresses with high waists, short puffed sleeves and low-cut necklines appealed to new styles in jewelry designs.
Gold and diamonds were scarce during this time period, so alternatives glass “paste” copies of diamonds were created as well as other white colored stones. Garnets, pearls, and coral were used widely, while carving gemstones was very popular.
Here are some fashion trends in Georgian era Jewelry:
- short necklaces flattered the low necklines of the times, common styles included cameos and mosaics worn en esclavage.
- popular brooches motifs included diamond-set flowers, floral sprays and colorful feathers
- antique diamonds were accessible only to royalty, the diamonds in antique rings and jewelry of this period are mostly rose cut.
- ribbons and bows were often decorated with gold as well as pear-shaped gemstones and pearls, as well as garnets, emeralds and sapphires
This period was marked by cultural vibrancy, with the establishment of the British Museum in 1753. Georgian society was well portrayed in the novels by Mary Shelley and Jane Austin; flowering of the arts is seen through works of famous Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, William Blake and Robert Burns.
