Antique Victoria

5 Jul, 2005 in art pottery by admin

Antique Victoria

Antique Jewels

Jewelry, generally, improves the user's looks. But wearing, or maybe even just owning antique jewelry would make the owner stand out from the rest. Beauty and elegance aren't the only characteristics of Antique Jewelries, the story it brings from the moment it was made through the times it has gone by is what contributes to its allure.

To be possibly called Antique Jewelry, an old piece of ornament must be at least 70 years old with distinguished design of its production date. There are instances when they are called Vintage Jewelry or Estate Jewelry; because they are the treasures of their respective time periods, a precious memory of time gone by, a historical artifact.

During the old times, no inventions has yet been discovered to help a jeweler, jewelries were skillfully made with artistic hands. In the early 1700 to mid 1800, during the Georgian Era, jewelries were hand made, thus each piece is different from the rest. Designs were nature-inspired like birds and leaves, and with common addition of valuable stones. Georgian jewelry is quite extraordinary.

Romantic Jewelries were produced in 1837-1855 during the early Victorian Era. Similar to Georgian jewelries, patterns were of that of nature depicted onto gold . Respective to that time period, brooches and lockets were used at daytime; colored gems and precious stones were used at night time.

The husband of Queen Victoria was known to have died in the mid-Victorian from 1856-1880, and so, Mourning Jewelries is the name used for jewels made during this period. Solemn and grave designs were common and feature dark, heavy stones like jet, onyx, amethyst and garnet. Also called the Grand Victorian Era because amidst the mourning, jewelries were still grandly designed and crafted .

In 1875-1890, referred to as the Late Victorian Era, Aesthetic Jewelries were made . Jewelry designs featured diamonds, sapphire, peridot and spinel. Popular ornament pieces included star and semi-circular designs and intricate hat pins.

In the last years of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th century, a lot of workers and jewelers alike rebelled against the lifeless production of machineries which came with the birth of Industrial Revolution . They disagree with utilizing machines and decided to bring back a more personal construction of jewelry products . Gems during this period were simple in pattern, yet made with vivid and auster stones and were called Arts and Crafts Jewelries.

From the late 1800 to early 1900, produced jewelries were called Art Nouveau jewelries. Similar to the earlier time epoch which fabricated jewels with nature as design. Conceptualized by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, this epoch of time accentuated natural designs such as butterflies, dragons, orchids, snakes and themes with lilies were often favored. Broad use of precious and semi-precious gemstones, horn, copper shell, tortoise shell, ivory and shells was the norm.

Edward took over the reigning from 1901 to 1915 when his mother Victoria died . Edwardian Jewelries made use of expensive stones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the trend.

In the period from 1915-1935, Art Deco jewelries were Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes and were famous for geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were more highlighted than the earlier period. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber and murano seeds were worn as individual ornament like chokers. Extremely shiny metals were used for accessories.

Lastly the Retro Jewelries made in 1945-1960 adornments were bright, daring and detailed; and inspired by Hollywood. Favorite jewelry pieces were cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

About the Author

Alex Stapledon is a writer for Antiques, Australia's leading Antiques directory.

Ideas for an "antique" name; male and female?

Isabelle, Rosalie and Jasper were among my favourites, but Twilight kinda blew those away... As you could probably guess, I'd like to stay away from the names of the Twilight characters. This is what I have so far...

Female: Olivia, Victoria, Serena, Lily, Violet, Rose, Delia (what's another way to spell?), Evelyn, Faye, Arianna, Elizabeth, Marenna

Male: Nicholas, Graham, Avery, Kale/Hale, Cole (another way to spell?)

Thanks lovesssssssss!

Biblical names, obviously, and plant names. "Delia" actually sounds rather modern--Dahlia is a flower.

For the guys there's Biblical again, and names like: Thaddeus, Hugh, Oliver, Wilmer.

Edit: Here, check this.

Beats Antique, Intertwine - Victoria / Mesmeric Belly Dance Fusion - Ultra Lounge 08