Did you know the Victorian era, from 1837 to 1901, saw 206 unique jewellery pieces? This time, under Queen Victoria’s rule, was a peak for antique jewellery. It’s filled with designs that show both art and emotion.
Victorian jewellery is truly special. It captures feelings like love and loss. It gives us a peek into the past that feels relevant today.
Our collection has beautiful Victorian treasures made by European and early Australian jewellers. You’ll find everything from fancy diamond bangles to delicate amethyst pendants. Each piece tells a story of its time.
Heritage jewellery fans will love our variety. We have rings, bangles, pendants, earrings, lockets, and brooches. They all show the elegance of the Victorian era.
Discover the beauty and history of these timeless pieces. Learn how they can start a family tradition. Visit starting a family tradition with a vintage emerald.
Key Takeaways
- The Victorian era produced a diverse range of antique jewellery, lasting from 1837 to 1901.
- Our collection contains 206 authentic Victorian pieces, showing various materials and designs.
- Victorian jewellery captures strong emotions, like love, loss, and nostalgia.
- Queen Victoria’s influence greatly shaped jewellery aesthetics during this time.
- Each piece in our collection shows unique craftsmanship from European and early Australian jewellers.
- Heritage jewellery fascinates collectors, connecting them to the past.
- Exploring these pieces can inspire new family traditions and sentimental bonds.
The Elegance of Victorian Jewellery
The Victorian era, from 1837 to 1901, is known for its stunning craftsmanship and detailed designs in jewellery. It is divided into three main periods: Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, and Late Victorian. Each period has its own unique style, influenced by Queen Victoria’s personal tastes.
Her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840 brought romance and nostalgia into jewellery making. This had a big impact on the designs of the time.
The Influence of Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria greatly influenced Victorian elegance, mainly through her love for mourning jewellery after Prince Albert’s death in 1861. This led to more pieces that showed loss and remembrance. Early Victorian jewellery often used gold and featured designs like repoussé.
Many pieces also included gemstones like seed pearls, garnets, and turquoise.
Symbolism in Victorian Designs
Victorian jewellery often carried deep meanings, like love and sorrow. Lockets with photos and gemstones for different emotions were common. The Mid-Victorian period saw the rise of mourning jewellery with materials like jet and onyx.
The Late Victorian era focused on simplicity and nature themes, such as flowers and animals. Knowing the symbolism in jewellery makes vintage pieces even more special, adding to their historical value.
| Victorian Period | Characteristics | Common Materials | Popular Gemstones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Victorian (1837-1860) | Romanticism, detailed craftsmanship | Gold | Seed pearls, garnets, turquoise |
| Mid-Victorian (1860-1885) | Mourning jewellery, sentimental pieces | Jet, onyx, black enamel | Heavy use of black stones |
| Late Victorian (1885-1901) | Simplicity, nature-inspired motifs | Silver, lighter materials | Opals, sapphires, peridots |
Explore Our Collection of Antique Gold Earrings
Antique gold earrings are a mix of history and art. They attract both collectors and fashion lovers. Each piece is unique, unlike modern jewellery. They show the skill of their time, with detailed designs.
Unique Features of Antique Gold Earrings
What makes antique gold earrings special? They have:
- Intricate Hand Engravings: Detailed engravings show the craftsmanship of their era.
- High-Quality Materials: Made from solid gold, they often have gemstones for extra elegance.
- Nature-Inspired Designs: Victorian earrings often have floral and natural themes, adding whimsy and beauty.
- Variety of Period Styles: Our collection spans Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, each with its charm.
Why Antique Gold Earrings are Timeless
Timeless earrings have a special appeal. Antique gold earrings blend historical beauty with modern taste. Their lasting appeal comes from:
- Versatility: They suit both formal and casual wear, fitting various styles.
- Sentimental Value: Each piece has a history, often becoming family heirlooms.
- Investment Value: Vintage pieces like these can increase in value over time.
At Kalmar Antiques, our antique gold earrings are a standout choice. They offer timeless beauty and sophistication. Each piece has a story, making them perfect for collectors and those who love elegance.
| Era | Characteristics | Notable Designs |
|---|---|---|
| Georgian | Ornate, detailed patterns with natural themes | Floral motifs, ribbon styles |
| Victorian | Nature-inspired with detailed engraving | Heart shapes, vine patterns |
| Edwardian | Graceful designs often using platinum and gold alloy | Filigree work, bow designs |
Victorian Jewellery: A Symbol of Love and Loss
The Victorian era, from 1837 to 1901, was a time of deep emotional expression in jewellery. It was a period where mourning jewellery became a way to remember loved ones after big losses. This jewellery showed the era’s love for sentiment, helping people to remember their dear ones in special ways.
Mourning Jewellery in the Victorian Era
Mourning jewellery became popular during the Romantic Era (1837-1860) as a way to keep memories alive. It was made from materials like jet, onyx, and black enamel. Designs often included symbols of love and loss, like skulls and mourning rings, to keep the memory of loved ones close.
The Emotional Significance of Victorian Pieces
Victorian jewellery was more than just decoration. It was a heartfelt tribute, a way to express and remember sorrow. Techniques like repoussé and gemstone settings made these pieces both stunning and meaningful. Symbols in the jewellery, like pearls for tears and forget-me-nots for love, added to their emotional depth.
In the late Victorian era, jewellery became a key part of personal stories. It helped people deal with their grief while keeping the memory of their loved ones alive.
| Material | Symbolism | Common Use in Mourning Jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Jet | Mourning | Brooches, necklaces |
| Onyx | Grief | Rings, pendants |
| Black Enamel | Loss | Lockets, bracelets |
| Pearls | Tears | Earrings, chains |
Victorian jewellery holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and historians. It shows the lasting bond between love, loss, and the art found in these historical pieces.
Vintage Lockets: Cherished Keepsakes from the Past
Vintage lockets have a long and fascinating history. They first appeared in the Renaissance and were made from gold, silver, and enamel. The Victorian era made them even more popular, as they became symbols of love and remembrance.
These lockets often held special items like hair from loved ones. This made them a powerful way to keep memories close, even when apart.
The History of Vintage Lockets
Lockets are more than just beautiful accessories. They hold deep personal memories. In the Victorian era, they became a way to show love and remember those who were gone.
During World War II, soldiers carried them as a reminder of their families. Today, vintage lockets continue to be loved for their sentimental value and modern designs.
Types of Lockets Available in Our Collection
Our collection showcases the beauty and variety of vintage lockets. From Victorian elegance to modern simplicity, there’s something for everyone. We have gold, silver, and enamel pieces, each with its own story.
Each locket is a treasure waiting to be cherished. They can become family heirlooms, passed down through generations. Visit here to explore our selection and find your own piece of history.