Victorian Jewelry from 1837-1900’s:
Surrounding styles that were made Popular during the rule of Queen Victoria in England from 1837 to 1901. These pieces usually included certain elements such as ornate matching sets of gemstone jewelry, romantic symbols, cameos, black mourning jewelry, and generally may be set with gemstones like Diamonds, Emeralds, Garnets, Amethysts, Coral, Shell, and Turquoise.
Edwardian Jewelry from 1900-1915:
From 1900 to 1915, the time of King Edward VII, many people wore upper-class jewelry that represented their riches. They leaned toward luxurious jewelry influenced by the French Courts of the 18th Century. Sometimes referred to as "Garland," the Edwardian Style of jewelry featured garlands of flowers, or delicate ribbons and bows made with platinum, diamonds, pearls, and the most precious colored gemstones.
Art Nouveau Jewelry from 1890-1914:
Beginning in 1890, Art Nouveau, French for “New Art,” broke away from historic styles and centered itself around the appreciation for Japanese Art and Story Telling. This jewelry style usually consisted of free-flowing lines & motifs. They would combine to form organic elements of life along with mythological creatures and fantasies. Pieces included realistic representations of nature (foliage, birds, and butterflies) blended with dragons or other imaginary creatures. Gemstones such as Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Quartz, Chalcedony, Opal, and Pearl were used along with glass or enamel. This style came to an end in 1914 with the start of World War I.
Art Deco Jewelry from 1920-1939:
Appearing after World War I, the Art Deco Era was a style set against the delicate elegance and free-flowing lines previously used among other designs. Its jewelry contained bold geometric patterns and conflicting colors. Square patterns and symmetric shapes gave rise to smooth, streamlined designs creating parallel lines. Gemstones used may have been Diamonds, Onyx, Lapis, Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Jade, Topaz, Turquoise, or anything vivid in color to contrast the metal. These designs ceased with the onset of World War II in 1939.
Retro Style Jewelry from 1940s (& Post War):
Colored Gemstones and Platinum were in short supply during WWII, yielding growth to the Retro Style. This jewelry featured very small diamonds and precious stones (Emerald, Ruby, & Sapphire) set within magnificently sculpted and curved yellow gold attributes. Themes included motifs, animals, and enameling. Designs showed characteristics of mechanical parts like gears, bike chains, locks, etc. Many pieces made included chains, bracelets, brooches, and lapels.
