Design & Historical Context |
Early Victorian, romantic jewelry, which was produced from 1837 to 1855, featured nature-inspired designs similar to those of the Georgian era. These designs were often delicately and intricately etched into gold. During the early Victorian era, lockets and brooches were popular for daytime wear, while colored gemstones and diamonds were worn in the evening.
The Victorian era was a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing in Britain and the British Empire, and this was reflected in the jewelry of the time. It was characterized by the intricate detailing, use of precious materials such as gold and diamonds, and incorporation of motifs such as flowers, animals, and nature scenes. The Victorian era was named after Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
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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