Design & Historical Context |
The Late Victorian or Aesthetic period was a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing in Europe and the United States, and this was reflected in the jewelry of the time. The Aesthetic movement, which emphasized beauty and art for art's sake, was particularly influential on jewelry design during this time.
Late Victorian or Aesthetic period jewelry is known for its intricate detailing and use of precious materials such as gold, silver, and diamonds. It often featured motifs such as flowers, animals, and nature scenes, and was inspired by a variety of cultural movements, including the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to return to traditional craftsmanship and natural materials.
One of the most distinctive features of Late Victorian or Aesthetic period jewelry is its emphasis on the use of enamel. Enamel is a type of glass-like material that is fused to a metal surface, and it was often used to add color and detail to jewelry. The French firm, Cartier, was particularly known for its use of enamel in its Late Victorian or Aesthetic period pieces.
Late Victorian or Aesthetic period jewelry remains popular and is highly collectible to this day. It is often associated with the elegance and refinement of the time period, and is often seen as a symbol of wealth and sophistication.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Sapphire
Sapphire is a mineral made from aluminum oxide that is known for its beautiful colors, including blue, pink, yellow, green, purple, and orange.
The most popular variety of sapphire is blue sapphire, which has a medium to deep blue color and strong saturation. Blue sapphire is typically the most popular and most affordable of the three major precious gemstones (emerald, ruby, and sapphire) and is often used in a variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Fancy sapphires, which are available in a variety of different colors, are often more rare and expensive than blue sapphires and are prized for their unique and beautiful colors.
Sapphire is a very hard and durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 9 out of 10, which makes it resistant to scratches and other types of damage. It is also believed to have various healing properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine and meditation practices.
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.
14k
14k gold is a popular choice for use in jewelry because it is durable, yet still relatively affordable compared to higher karat golds like 18k or 24k. It is made up of 58.5% pure gold and is mixed with other metals to make it harder and more durable. 14k gold is available in a range of colors, including yellow, white, and rose, and is commonly used in a variety of jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. One of the advantages of 14k gold is that it is more resistant to wear and tear than pure gold, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. However, it is still softer than other alloys such as stainless steel or platinum, so it may require more maintenance to keep it looking its best. Overall, 14k gold is a popular choice for those who want the look and feel of gold, but at a more affordable price point.
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