Throughout history, jewelry has changed with the tastes and trends of that particular time. Read how jewelry styles have changed to what we know of them today.

The Victorian era was an extended period of time that endured the turn of the century and emulated romantic ideals. This era is typically divided into three specific characterizations: Early, Mid, and Late Victorian. The main traits that are tied to this design era are defined below.

• Victorian Jewelry ( 1837-1900 ):  Victorian jewelry was characterized by nature-inspired designs and towards the end of the 19 th century. After Queen Victoria 's husband's death, designs reflected a grave and solemn tone. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry and created colored gem stones were more often seen as evening attire. Towards the end of the era star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular. Female figures, grapes and wheat, weeping willow trees were popular designs and the nature-inspired designs that were characteristic of this period were usually delicately etched into gold.

The Roaring 20's are known as a fun-loving, decadent era. While women were gaining more political rights they began asserting their new equality with radical changes in fashion. Fortunes were also made and broken in the stock market during this time. The Roaring 20's have three distinct styles that we have defined below.

• Art Nouveau (1895-1910):  This was a brief period in time when art and design came together in jewelry. Art Nouveau was based on a return to craftsmanship and there was an emphasis on design over material. Characteristics of the Art Nouveau designs were flowing lines, exotic flowers, plant shapes and long flowing hair. Most jewelry was hand crafted and nature was a major theme. This period was in direct response to the static and reinterpreted styles of the Victorian Age.


• Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910):  King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra led English society to new taste levels. Sophistication and style were paramount. The jewelry reflected gracious delicacy with ribbons, bows, swags and tassels in the designs. The Edwardian lady wore lots of open, lacy jewelry imitating the Indian Maharajahs whom the queen so admired. Platinum became the metal of choice, and the houses of Cartier and Tiffany dominated jewelry design.


• Art Deco (1920-1939):  This is the period of seduction, speed and speakeasies. Luxury was the key word in Art Deco jewelry. Women wore long gold necklaces and multiple stands of pearls. Men's jewelry also came into vogue as men became more comfortable wearing jewelry. Art Deco takes its name from the International Exposition des Arts which was held in Paris in 1925. Popular gem stones were Emeralds and Rubies; they were used frequently because of their dramatic color.

The Modern Era was known as being both classic and avant garde. The design elements could be open and airy or could be solid and heavy with a polished look. Diamonds were being marketed to people of all income levels and jewelry became more everyday and attainable. Because of the difference in styles that were prevalent this era has been divided into two more subcategories.

• Retro ( 1932-1949 ):  Pieces designed during this era were inspired by romantic Victorian pieces. Stylized motifs and shiny finishes on pink, green, yellow and rose gold were very popular. This period was not as sleek and streamlined as the art deco designs. Traits that were common with this period include “larger-than-life” proportions, patriotic themes, and romantic motifs. Three dimensional charms became a popular form of self expression, earrings sat close to the ear, and engagement rings set in an illusion setting were very popular.


• Fabulous Fifties ( 1950's ):  Modernist jewelry is very unique and quite specialized yet does not appeal to everyone. The jewelry designs of this time were often one of a kind and were totally hand fabricated. One popular trend in this era included matching accessories such as earring, rings and brooches. The modernist's work was characterized by abstract and non-objective form. Short necklaces were singularly the most popular jewelry accessory seen in the 50's jewelry. This jewelry reflects designs that flaunt luxury and prosperity as this reflected the feeling in the post war era.