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.
Old-mine-cut diamond
The old mine cut is a type of diamond cut that was popular in the 1700s and was most prevalent during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It is similar to today's cushion cut and is characterized by a squarish girdle with gently rounded corners, a high crown, a small table, and a large, flat culet.
Old mine cut diamonds are known for their antique charm and character, and they are often used in vintage-style jewelry. They have a softer, more romantic look than modern diamond cuts, which tend to have more precise geometry and a higher level of brilliance.
Old mine 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, old mine 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.
18k
18k gold is a type of gold alloy that is commonly used in jewelry making. It is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, silver, or palladium. The addition of other metals helps to increase the durability and strength of the gold, making it more suitable for use in jewelry. 18k gold is softer and more prone to scratching than higher karat golds, such as 22k or 24k, but it is still a popular choice for jewelry because of its warm, yellow color and good resistance to tarnishing. It is also less expensive than higher karat golds due to the smaller amount of gold used in the alloy. 18k gold is a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry items.
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