The proverb-“When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do” aptly highlights the way Queen Victoria’s jewellery preferences were imbibed in the mainstream English society. While the origins of Victorian Jewellery can be traced back to the period between 1837 and 1901, the aesthetics of jewellery underwent several changes throughout. What, however, remained constant, is its essence. Historians divided the reign into three parts with each offering its specific gems, motifs and metals and fabrication techniques.
The early Victorian or Romantic period popularised gemstones like Agate, Amber, Amethyst, and Diamonds adorning basic motifs like hearts, flowers, birds, trees to emphasize on ideas such as love and religion. The sight of these stones in keepsake lockets and brooches was not unique. The Middle or Grand period marked by the unexpected death of Prince Albert and consequent period of mourning affected the jewellery with adoption of more solemn designs.
Sombre, subdued and gothic styles were revived with the use of Onyx, Black Glass and deep red Garnet. During the late Victorian period, the focus shifted on delicate, light and less formal jewellery styles featuring motifs like crescent moon, stars, insects and animals. Gemstones that were popular in this period were bright Sapphires, Peridot, Spinel and Diamonds.
Victorian jewellery is a humble reflection of prosperity and peace during the times of the Queen. However, on the larger canvas, the motifs have reflected the life events of Queen Victoria. Anyone fond of carrying jewellery, a close manifestation of historical chronology, should find solace in them.
Perhaps the jewellery trend related to the Victorian era and its romanticism the most is the adaptation of serpentine motifs in jewellery pieces adorned with Garnets and Diamonds. Other designs found on jewellery carried a natural and raw aura through leaves, flowers, berries, and other designs inspired by Mother Earth. Down the lane, the resplendence of these elegant styles has not blemished for once and has continued to determine present styles.
Coloured gemstones like Emeralds, Topaz, Sapphires are also incrusted in the jewellery to create feminine designs. Rose-cut Diamonds and the use of gold are often seen in early Victorian Jewellery. Victorian style jewellery at Alankriti ensures to bring finest and authentic styles to you for that regal look and designs carried on in different forms for years. If you are fond of minimalistic designs with a signature touch, you also have the option to consider smaller, lighter, and more dainty pieces under this collection.