Introducing the New Renaissance Collection

Our new in-store collection, The Renaissance Collection, is a sterling silver recreation of some of the most prominent pieces in Renaissance history. Made in the Netherlands, the pieces are hand-crafted from original Renaissance period molds,and includes many Art Neuvo and Art Deco designs.

The Renaissance Period was characterized by an exponential growth in knowledge, artistic expression, global exploration, and trade. The search for beauty was a prominent objective during this time. Jewelry played a large part throughout the times, with the European fascination of gold and gemstones.

Luxuries during this period were mostly confined to the upper class, with the rich finding it easiest to condense their wealth into the more easily exchangeable currency of gemstones. Such jewels and gem stones became symbolic for wealth, with Monarchs and European nobility holding the majority of divine gems.

While many pieces during the period were focused around larger gemstones, cabochon stones as well as baroque pearls were extremely popular. Many pieces featured pearl accents, and exotic animals were quite popular. It was common to find pendants adorned with parrots, pelicans, and lizards. The period also saw early stages of costume jewelry, with beads in place of pearls and conch shell rather than stone cameos. Jewelers introduced parures, suites of matching jewelry, such as a diamond tiara, earrings, necklace, and brooch. These sets were popular among royalty, and have managed to hold an influence on today’s jewelry trends.