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1 BCE
The beginning of jewelry
Historians believe that humans started wearing jewelry as long as 100,000 years ago. Early jewelry was crafted in ancient Egypt, China and India. Back then, jewelry makers used materials such as wood, feathers, shell beads and semi-precious stones to adorn themselves. -
1700's
Early 1700 broaches and sprays employed a solid back setting and the stones were not visible from this position. After 1760, the open and the underside of the gems began to show through. Nearly all of the 1,700 diamonds were rose cuttings. This style of cutting was considered by some diamond admirers as a way to hide inferior quality. The term “brilliant” did not imply a certain quality, but instead refers to the cutting style. -
Georgian Jewerly 1700's - 1830's
The Georgian Era spans the reign of four English Kings named George. Jewelry pieces from this period usually had stones set in silver with the back enclosed in metal – silver fused to gold. Diamonds were Rose Cut or Old Mine Cut. Natural themes such as foliage, flowers, ribbons, animals or a single curved feather were the most popular styles of the time. These items can be hard to come across in good condition due to their age as well as their status as collectibles. -
1714-1830
Jewelry from the Georgian Period is quite rare. Most surviving jewelry from this period is handmade, typically with 18K gold and silver. Because gold was so expensive during the Georgian period, most diamonds were set in silver that was backed with gold in order to protect the silver from tarnishing over time. One distinguishing factor of the Georgian Period is the shape of the stones used. -
1750's
Machines replaced manpower in many industries. Jewelry was still created slowly and carefully. Cheap massed jewelry was produced by machines. -
Victorian Jewelry 1837- 1901
The Industrial Revolution created a middle class that used jewelry as it's new found wealth. Shell, stone, lockets, hearts, flowers and animal themed jewelry set pearls were the styles of the Victorian Era. In 1861, when Prince Albert died, trends changed to express the Queen’s grief. Styles changed to heavy somber jewelry using materials like jet, black enamel, black onyx, and hair (usually horse hair). Mourning jewelry was popular, pictures, clothing, and even the hair of the deceased. -
Victorian Jewelry – 1837-1860 – The Romantic Period
Early Victorian jewelry was usually fabricated in 18k gold. But, gold was becoming scarce and in the 1850s, lower karats of gold were often used, in addition to various gold plating techniques. Then, in 1848, the California gold rush occurred and alleviated England’s shortage. -
1860's-1890's
The Arts and Crafts Jewelry Era was a movement away from the Industrial Revolution. Designs included simple leaf and foliage designs using earth tones, hammered metals, and handcrafting techniques. The importance moved to the jewelry artist. An emphasis on having artisans handcraft one-of-a-kind pieces became a focus. -
1835's-1900's
Reign of English Queen Victoria had a profound effect of fashion and jewelry tastes in Europe. -
Art Jewelry:Early 1890's-1905
By the late 19th Century, the somber Victorian attitude created a strong counter-cultural movement. Sensuous women, flowing and curving designs, and plique-a-jour enamel characterized jewelry. Popular subjects in Art jewelry were women with flowing hair, insects, animals and flowers. -
Edwardian Jewelry: 1901-1910
After Queen Victoria’s death, King Edward VII’s reign celebrated the return to elegance. This marked the beginning of the use of platinum in jewelry. Due to the strength of platinum, elaborate and delicate filigree work could be incorporated to resemble fine lace and silk, which was worn by Edwardian women. The dominant gems in this jewelry were diamonds, often with colored stones and pearls. -
1914
World War l began, manufacturing of jewelry came to a stop. Women took over the roles of men. -
Art Deco Jewlery: 1920's-1930's
The Art Deco name comes from the 1925 “Exposition Internationale de Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Moderns” in Paris. A flamboyant revival after the First World War brought dramatic features, abstract geometric forms, and contrasting colors to jewelry. Black onyx, coral, rock crystal, lapis and carnelian were used with classic stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Egyptian motifs, diamond bar pins, geometric bracelets and clips were all the rage. -
1934
The wearing of a wrist watches -
Retro Modern Jewelry: 1935-1955
At this time, American culture had become recognized in Europe. Hollywood stars influenced styles of this era and jewelry started to become very flashy. Platinum, gold, and silver were needed to fund the war effort during this time, and gold began to take on a new role. It was produced in many colors, depending on the alloy used. -
1940's
By the mid 1940's, 85% of north American weddings involved rings for both partners. -
1939-1949
- Because of influence of World War II and widespread embargoes on gemstones, popular jewelry shifted to the more metal based designs adorned with patriotic motifs and semi-precious and synthetic gemstones.
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1950's
Post war years saw the return of brightly colored jewelry, heavy use of rhinestones and big beads. Diamonds solidified its spot as the most popular gemstone. -
1980's
In the early 1980s The Smiths popularised jewellery for men, reviving a hippy trend from the 1960s. In a then-sexist Britain, it was a bit of a shock to see men wearing ropes of beaded and jewelled necklaces, and even wielding bunches of beautiful flowers in nightclubs and pubs -
21st Century
Fast forward to the 21st Century, many current trends are still influenced by these pivotal fashion eras. As tools and technology evolve, so too do the styles of today. We look forward to seeing what trends current and future time periods will set!
