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Jewelry History:
Georgian and Victorian Periods - Part 1
Tom Newcomer, President/Owner, GIA Graduate Gemologist
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In both this month and next month's editions of the jewelry newsletter, I want to continue the discussion of jewelry history by focusing on the Georgian and Victorian periods.
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Georgian Period
Georgian jewelry typically refers to jewelry made from approximately 1714 to 1837. The period was named for the four English Kings named George who reigned during that period. Georgian period jewelry is relatively rare to come by, as much of it has been dismantled and repurposed over the years.
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Although the major source of South Africa diamonds had not been discovered during this period, diamonds were still used in Georgian jewelry. They were typically cut more crudely, as with rose cuts or old mine cut diamonds and frequently set in gold with a silver backing to brighten up the diamond’s appearance.
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Starting around 1730, the Rococo style, which started in France, began to spread across Europe. Georgian jewelry of the Rococo style is characterized by asymmetry with themes from nature such as flowers, leaves and feathers. Enamel (which is molten glass applied to metal) was abandoned during this period in favor of engraving or embossing.
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Many pieces of Rococo jewelry were utilitarian in nature such as snuff boxes and chatelaines, which were short chains attached to a woman’s belt, used for carrying keys and other items.
The Georgian Period spans a portion of both the Baroque and Rococo periods. Throughout history the changes we see in art and architecture, during different periods, are reflected in changes in jewelry as it is, in essence, an art form.
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The early Georgian period is represented by the late Baroque style, which is characterized by very ornate pieces, more symmetrical in design. A symmetrical bow design was used extensively during this period as a brooch or pendant often decorated with pearls and enamel.
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Although I have had only a handful of pieces from this period, in my years with Carson’s, they are interesting to look at as they give us a window into types of gold and silversmithing practiced during this period along with the evolution of gem cutting.
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At R Bruce Carson Jewelers, we share a love of historic, period jewelry with many of our customers. We are often able to assist someone in finding a particular item they have been seeking or in restoring an heirloom. If you have inherited a piece which has been passed down to you, we may suggest bringing it in so our qualified staff can check and clean it. If needed, our Master Jeweler will work to restore an heirloom to its original beauty. We invite you to stop by and explore our estate jewelry collection. It is constantly changing and a treasure may be waiting just for you.
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Store Hours (Summer)
Monday-Closed
Tuesday-Thursday 10am-5pm
Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday-Closed
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