Design & Historical Context |
The Victorian Era was a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing in England, and this was reflected in the jewelry of the time. During the Victorian Era, a middle class began to emerge, which sparked a demand for jewelry in the mass market. Jewelry trends during this time often reflected the tone of current events.
The Victorian Era is usually divided into three subsections: the Romantic Period (1837-1861), the Grand Period (1861-1880), and the Aesthetic Period (1880-1901).
During the Romantic Period, jewelry featured nature-inspired designs similar to those of the Georgian era, and was characterized by its intricate and delicate detailing. Lockets and brooches were popular for daytime wear, while colored gemstones and diamonds were worn in the evening.
During the Grand Period, known as the Mid-Victorian era, jewelry was often influenced by the death of Queen Victoria's husband. Many jewelry pieces from this period have solemn, somber designs and feature heavy, dark stones such as jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet. This period also saw the emergence of highly creative, colorful designs using shells, mosaics, and gemstones.
During the Aesthetic Period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs, as well as elaborate hat pins, were also popular. Some scholars believe that the Aesthetic Period began earlier, in 1875, and ended as early as 1890.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Rose-cut diamond
The rose cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1500s and remained common during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is characterized by a flat bottom with a dome-shaped crown that rises to a single apex, giving the diamond a shape that resembles a rose bud. Rose cut diamonds can have anywhere from 3 to 24 facets, which are small, flat surfaces that are cut into the diamond to create a specific shape and enhance its sparkle and brilliance.
Unlike modern diamond cuts, such as the round brilliant or princess cut, the rose cut has a lower crown and a less brilliant appearance. It is a more primitive diamond cut that was used before the development of more advanced cutting techniques. However, it is still a popular choice for collectors of antique jewelry and for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage cuts.
Rose cut diamonds are typically less expensive than diamonds with more modern cuts because they require less labor and material to produce. They are often used as accent stones in jewelry designs or as the main gemstone in vintage-style pieces. Despite their lower price, rose cut diamonds can still be beautiful and valuable, and they are a popular choice for those who appreciate the unique charm and character of antique jewelry.
9k
9 karat gold is an alloy made up of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals, such as copper, silver, or zinc. The addition of other metals allows for the creation of gold in various colors, including yellow, white, and rose. 9 karat gold is a common choice for jewelry as it is less expensive than higher karat gold, due to the lower percentage of pure gold in the alloy. 9 karat gold is also slightly harder and more durable than pure gold, making it more resistant to scratches and dents.
Silver
Silver is a white metallic element that is known for its excellent conductivity of heat and electricity. It is represented on the periodic table of elements by the symbol Ag, and it is a member of the noble metals, which are known for their excellent resistance to oxidation.
Silver is a relatively soft metal, with a hardness that is intermediate between gold and copper. It is more malleable and ductile than gold, which means that it can be easily shaped and molded into various forms. However, it is not as hard as copper, which means that it is more prone to scratches and other types of damage.
Because of its softness, silver is usually alloyed with another metal to harden it enough to maintain the desired shape and details when it is used in jewelry and other decorative objects. This helps to give it the necessary strength and durability for use in these types of applications.
Throughout history, silver has played a prominent role in the production of jewelry and objets d'art. It is prized for its beauty and versatility, and it is often used in a wide variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also used in decorative objects, such as candlesticks, vases, and other decorative items.
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