How do we recognize unique jewelry? Experts in the subject indicate a certain paradox here and state that wonderful jewelry or great patterns characterized by a huge fascination for the duration of fashion for time of the style and design, and the wave of criticism that flows onto this type of jewelry soon after the fashion season for it passes. It was similar with Victorian jewelry, which throughout the life of Queen Victoria, from whose name the jewelry of that time period is adopted, was adored, and shortly after her death – became the object of biting comments and criticisms.
Phenomenon of Jewelry
It turns out that Victorian style jewelry still delights us today. Its timeless beauty is affected both by the diversity of currents, which it combines in itself a rich ornamentation which characterizes it. Its secret also lies in elegance and romance. Exceptional rosettes, rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings in elaborate styles, full of sophisticated glamor – like found in jewelry box of a great-grandmother. They combine the magic and beauty of diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, rubies or pearls. They captivate timeless class and charm. “The Victorian Collection” of jewelry designed in order for its beauty to become a part of family history.
This is why we decided to reach for fascinating patterns, adding beauty, style and glamor to their refined beauty. Our new collection connects with this beautiful era with its own style. The Victorian Collection of our company is a mix of the main style trends of Queen Victoria, as well as our own hint of Orientalism and mysticism. The collection created by us, is a combination of a magical style of classic English- Victorian style with oriental splendor of the Middle East.
Our pendants, rings or necklaces often reflect the mysticism of the Ottoman Empire and at the same time fit entirely into the classic appearance of Queen Victoria’s jewelry. At this point, it is worth to add that our main inspiration remains between all three periods of the Queen’s reign and all three periods of trends during this long time period, but from the beginning. The age of Victoria was disciplined by the progressives of the early twentieth century, who accused the Queen of excessive puritanism, hypocrisy and promoting the image of a “machine-woman”, that is unavailable, haughty, un-real and which effectively suppresses all forms of humanity. The queen’s reign was later described as “Horror Victorian Orum”. The only characteristic of the Victorian era, which was not crushed by the criticism turned out to be jewelry!
The term “Victorian era” refers to an interval between the years of 1937 and 1901, when proud of Victoria sat on the throne of the Kingdom of Great Britain. At the beginning of the reign of the queen, “Victorian Jewelry” was defined only as products manufactured on the islands. Later, when the kingdom broadened its influence and strengthened position as a world empire, “Victorian” began to also recognize “royal” tones, very sophisticated and ornate jewels in continental Europe and America.
In view of the fact that Victoria – in terms of length of celebrated governments – broke all records, jewelry produced during her reign is divided into three stylistic periods – the romantic phase (which lasted until the 60s in the nineteenth century), the middle Victorian period (until 1885, until the death of her beloved husband, Albert) and the time of decline, where the cut-off date is the day of death of Victoria.
Romanticism and Jewelry
During the first period, the British fashion jewelry seized styles with details and patterns inspired by nature. Romantic creators – regardless of the matter in which they progressed – often derived from the ancient heritage and treasures of discovered anew Middle Ages. Hence, the gems produced at this time can be traced back to the gold jewelry of ancient Greek motifs resembling bunches of grapes, flower petals, volatile sinister birds and snakes. During the wave of expansion of the Empire, the British jewelers were also inspired by Celtic motifs (an increase of interest in this convention was dictated by the purchase of a Scottish castle of Balmoral), Oriental and Far East. Jewelers were able to unite various forms and concentrated on ornate eclecticism, which reflected their romantic fascination focusing mainly on everything unknown, mysterious, and the appealing unexplored.
Earrings, brooches or pendants were decorated with beautiful, often Celtic ornaments and precious or semi-precious stones – agates, pearls and corals. The newly liked trend was also richly stained glass, antique cameos and phenomenal, painted on porcelain miniatures used for the production of decorative pendants.
Strictly romantic soul appeared strongest in women’s jewelry – sentimental, concealing wistful mystery. Pendants or rings with openings in the middle where favorite perfume droplets could be stored were extremely popular – even used by the one chosen by heart. Gentlemen, moreover, also succumbed to the fashion of sentimental romanticism and willingly wore pendants which in their interior, hid locks of women’s hair.
Medallions made of molded shapes of letters from rubies, emeralds, garnets, amethysts and diamonds have also become very fashionable. These jewels could be hung in any order and lay out specific words.
