Do you know anything about antique jewelry? There is a rich history behind this exquisite type of jewelry. There are three periods in the 1800s and early 1900s that we will discuss in this Antique Jewelry Series which are:
- The Early Victorian or Romantic Period (1837-1860)
- The Grand Period (1861-1885)
- The Late Victorian or Aesthetic Period (1885-1901)
In this blog, we will discuss The Early Victorian or Romantic Period:
The Early Victorian or Romantic Period (1837-1860)
People today remember the public obsession with Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Well, way before them, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of Britain fascinated the Western World. When the young queen was crowned in 1837, it kicked off 64 influential years of her reign and fairytale love story with her prince,which is why this early period is also known as the Romantic Period.
Jewelry Design
This was a very sentimental time in jewelry design with lockets, brooches and pocket watches created with places to keep a lock of hair from a loved one (this would become even more popular in the next era of fashion, the Grand Period). Cameos and miniature paintings hung from a lady’s neck as reminders to all who was on their mind. After Prince Albert gave Victoria a serpent engagement ring with an emerald in its head, everyone wanted snakes all over their jewelry.
Sets of a large necklace, brooch, and bracelet were common. A brooch pin was distinctly extended out past the brooch with simple “C” clasps (this would be improved on in the Grand Period).
Gold
The gold of this period was often created in 18k to 22k gold. Rolled gold (gold sheets soldered to base metals), gold electroplate (thinner sheet of gold fused to base metals), and pinchbeck (83% copper, 17% zinc) were all common to this time period.
Romantics
The Romantics loved motifs of eyes, hands, and hearts. Vines, leaves, arrows, and love-knots were also popular. A technique called repoussè featured hammered metal to create intricate designs as well as cannetille, which was intricate wire work resembling filigree.
Gothic and Medieval Designs
Common themes were Gothic and Medieval designs as well as the beginning of the ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian fascination as the new science of archeology began in earnest (and really took off in the Grand Period). France’s colonization of Algeria introduced the Western world to timeless Moorish designs which looked very exotic on jewelry.
Gemstones
Popular gemstones of the period include agate, amber, emerald, malachite, seed pearls, quartz, and topaz. The gems were primarily in three different cuts: Rose (rounded with a domed top and flat bottom), Old Mine (rounded square with many facets) and Cabochon (a rounded top, flat bottom.) The stones were often set in a claw-like setting or a collet setting which has metal surrounding the stone. Other popular materials were lava stone, ivory, and tortoiseshell.
Chatelaine
A fascinating long lost jewelry item called the chatelaine was very popular in this era. Before pockets became commonplace in clothing, people needed clever ways to carry useful accessories. Thus a jewelry belt with hooks on it was created to hang your scissors, eyewear, pen or whatever. The chatelaine was popular until the 20th century.
Acrostic Jewelry
The Romantic Period also featured acrostic jewelry which are gems arranged in such a way it spelled out a message. So a ring might have a row with a diamond, emerald, amethyst and a ruby to spell out DEAR. You can’t get more romantic than that, can you?
Pawn or Sell
If you own any antique jewelry, you can either pawn or sell your items at a Pawn Shop?
If you want to own some antique jewelry, check out one of Albert’s four locations or our online store. Check out Albert’s Pawn as one of the Tri-Cities Best Kept Bargain Hunters Secret.
Online Stores
We have products on online sites for your convenience:
Four Locations
Stop by one of Albert’s four locations to find the perfect bargain in the tri-cities area! Here are nine things to know about Albert’s Pawn in Tennessee.
Albert’s has been family owned and operated since 1927. No matter what part of the Tri-Cities you’re in we have a location to serve you. With two locations in Johnson City (Albert’s Loan Office and Uncle Sam’s Pawn Liquidation), Albert’s Loan Office in Bristol and our newest store, Albert’s Pawn in Kingsport – getting top dollar for your items for pawn loans and finding that item you’ve been looking for at an unbeatable price has never been easier.
