The Key stylistic differences of English Jewellery: Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian.

Always wanted to know about ring styles? We've broken down the main points about each era's specific styles to help you decide the right ring style for you.

Jewellery from the Georgian Period: 1714-1836.

Jewellery from the Georgian period is very distinctive. It is recognisably from a different era, more so than Victorian or Edwardian jewellery. Gemstone cutting evolved greatly in the Victorian and Edwardian times, so Georgian diamonds looked less polished and refined; there were different cuts: rose-cut diamonds and old mine cuts. Black enamel mourning jewellery is a well-known feature of Georgian jewellery. Some pieces feature hair woven into brooches, bracelets and even rings. Enamel was coupled with pearls, and rings were inscribed with names and dates of family members who had passed away. 

Ribbons and bows were a popular theme. Earrings with two bows and pendulum drops were fashionable, as were "Riviere" Necklaces; these were necklaces made with connected mounted gemstones. Jewellery that trembled "en tremblant" and "Fer de berlin" jewellery, blackened iron openwork, originated from the Georgian period. Flowers, foliage, birds and butterflies were popular motifs. Jewellery of any period is influenced by what is happening at the time. In this period, the remains of Pompeii had been unearthed, so laurel leaves and grapes featured in jewellery.  

For a significant part of the Georgian period, gemstones were mounted in a closed setting as opposed to the later designs that allowed the light to pass through. They were backed with foil that reflected the light in the stone so that they would sparkle in candlelight—this period had detailed metalwork, such as repousse and cannetille. Repousse was a technique of hammering metal on one side to feature designs on the reverse. This can be seen in lockets from the period. Cannetille was similar to filigree in that it was comprised of thin sheets of wire or metal delicately formed into motifs such as scrolls, flowers, and leaves. It was also combined with granulation, where small metal beads were added to create detailing. Pinchbeck was a form of costume Jewellery from this period also. It was made from a combination of metals, usually copper and zinc. It was created so those travelling by stagecoach could wear their less valuable jewellery by adornment without safety concerns!

Jewellery from the Victorian Period: 1837-1901

 

The Victorian period has been stylistically divided into three parts: early, mid and late, as it extended over such a long period. 

Early Victorian age: The romantic Period – 1837-1861

Jewellery in the early Victorian period featured motifs such as serpents, lotus flowers, snakes, trees and birds. There was a prevalence of using seed pearls, ivory, onyx, agate, diamonds, emeralds and amethyst. In 1820, diamond cutting evolved from the old mine cut to the old European cut due to new techniques and machinery, so diamonds were rounder and more even. Sentimental love Jewellery was popular: heart-shaped rings and pendants set with seed pearls and gemstones. Rings were set with coloured stones that spelt words such as "Regard" or "Dearest".Mizpah rings were given between lovers; this word originated from Genesis in the bible and symbolised the line: "The lord watcheth between me and thee when we are parted from one another". Keys and lockets were love symbols and were also given between couples. 

Mid-Victorian Age: The Grand Period: 1861-1885

Designs became bolder in the mid-Victorian age and moved away from what was considered to be the sentimentality of the romantic age. Due to the death in England of Queen Victoria's husband, Albert, in 1861, mourning jewellery became extremely popular again. It was made from Jet, enamel or hair. Brooches, pendants and rings enamelled in black bearing words such as "In Memorium" or "in loving memory" were set with diamonds or pearls. Hair Jewellery was particularly popular again, and fine hair was woven into rings, brooches and bracelets. This fashion for hair jewellery never came back after the death of Queen Victoria, thankfully! Lockets reached a new peak in 1880 and were manufactured in gold and gold "back and front," meaning they could be engraved in 9kt gold but were internally stronger as the hinges were made from stronger metals.  

Late Victorian Age: The Aesthetic period: 1885-1901

The jewellery of the late Victorian age was more romantic; it was softer and featured butterflies and roses. There was an emphasis on gemstones such as amethyst, emeralds and opals. This began the arts and crafts movement, moving towards hand-crafted jewellery. Women became more involved in business then, so there was an inclination to dispense with jewellery and not wear diamonds during the day! Jewellery was lighter than the previous eras.

The Edwardian Period: 1901-1910

Jewellery in the Edwardian period was distinctively feminine and delicate. There was an emphasis on the colour white in this period, with pearls and diamonds set in the new "white metal" platinum. Cultured pearls became readily available. These were set in chokers, collars, tiaras, fine bracelets and rings with a delicacy and refinement to the metalwork. The designs were often lacy and light in appearance, with lots of open work. Diamonds were more uniform and brilliant as cutting techniques improved. Gemstones were calibre set and cut into baguette shapes set with milligrain detail. Popular motifs were bows, moons and stars, flowers, wishbones, and horseshoes.

 

The Art Nouveau period: 1895-1910

The art nouveau period spanned from 1895 to 1910, overlapping the Victorian and Edwardian periods. We noted that the late Victorian age was softer and more romantic, and the art nouveau period expanded on these themes. The jewellery is identifiable for its curves and soft shapes, birds with splayed-out wings and tails with enamel work. Flowers, insects and snakes were all seen in jewellery around this period. There were several types of Enamel work, such as plaque-de-jour, which was made like stained glass; enamelling webbed between thin metal where the light could get through and cloisonné; the enamel was held between metal walls. True to Edwardian jewellery, it was light, delicate and feminine. Gemstones not as common in the preceding periods were designed in jewellery: amber, garnet, opal, moonstone, malachite and horn in subtle and natural colours reflecting the naturalistic themes.

The Arts and Crafts Movement 1880-1920

This was a reaction again to machine-made jewellery and emphasised hand-crafted jewellery. There were fewer gemstones and a move towards less expensive materials designed more innovatively; enamelling developed in the arts and crafts movement. This saw the beginning of Jewellery retailers such as Tiffany and Co and Liberty's working with individual craftspeople. The designer Rene Lalique is synonymous with this historical design period and combined insects, butterflies and birds with the female form to make many designs.

 

The Art Deco Period 1910-1937

The Art Deco period has endured in popularity more than any other design period. Designs from this period continue to look modern despite being over 100 years old. These designs were in stark contrast to the flowing, nature-themed designs of the art nouveau and arts and crafts movements. The designs are geometric and symmetrical. They were elongated and angular. The jewellery was bolder; onyx was combined with jade, coral with pearls; designers combined colours in new and exciting ways. Platinum was in short supply, so white gold was used instead. Influences came from Egypt, India and Persia: designs featured flowers, pagodas and temples. There was innovation in diamond cutting and setting; diamonds were cut in rhombic shapes and triangles, favoured above the more traditional shapes. These contrasted with the femininity and delicacy of the diamond setting of the Edwardian period. These were strong and bold designs. 

It is interesting to examine how jewellery styles evolved from one period to the next and how they related to what was happening historically and politically. When looked at from a distance like this, we can see how the pendulum in taste and style moves back and forth, how the Art Deco designs responded to the war and the style of the Art Nouveau period, with bolder designs and how the mid-Victorian era's austere style responded to the more flowery sentimental taste of the preceding years.

References:

 

"Jewellery reference and price guide" by Michael Poynder. "Rings" by Rachel Church. "Pre-Raphaelite to arts and crafts Jewellery" by Charlotte Gere and Geoffrey Munn. "Antique Georgian Jewelry" by Megan Coward." Antique Jewellery University" www.langantiques.com