Fashion jewelry today can be actually created in the past or can use past designs to present an entire modern and desirable look. Pins, hair ornaments, necklaces and rings were common throughout history, but the designs looked much different in the different historical eras. If you want a particular type of design, you can visit flea markets, consignment shops, estate auctions or second-hand stores. If you want something that looks old but is new, look online or in jewelry boutiques of today.
Hand-crafted Georgian jewelry is a great example of historical pieces that can still be found occasionally in estate sales today. This era of jewelry featured garnets, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires as gemstones. Settings of silver holding faceted stones became a popular design. Georgian jewelry was worn both men and women. The Georgians wore an astonishing amount of jewelry at the same time. It was bold and heavy.
Victorian jewelry tends to be more romantic and flowery. There are many dainty examples of the jewelry of this era. Cameos, hair ornaments and chokers were popular designs. Women today still select beautiful Victorian engagement rings because of the sentimental designs. Victorian jewelry is more delicate and ornate. Viewing many of the pieces will make you think of lace.
Chronologically, the Art Nouveau period was the next popular jewelry era. You can still obtain period pieces for jewelry from this school. Gemstones are often less costly than from early periods. Moonstones, opals and other colored gemstones often are used to enhance and draw focus to the design, rather than being the center. Some popular motifs are sunbursts, botanical items and languid female figures or faces.
The arts and crafts movement in jewelry and art was occurring at the same time as Art Nouveau. Instead of the machine made pieces of the industrial age, artisans in small factories or establishments produced beautiful and intricate handmade pieces. The volume of such pieces was limited, since they were one at a time creations and the time period in which they were produced was short, only about three to four decades.
The Edwardian court was known for lavish display. By today’s standards, the jewelry was ostentatious in the number and appearance of the gemstones. Diamonds and platinum in huge numbers decorated ears, throats and fingers. The settings were minimal, so that the appearance was of masses of floating stones.
Art Deco jewelry turned from fluid lines and ornate patterns to angles and a cleaner look. The jewels might be mixed colors. They often showed influences from other cultures, including the Far East, Africa and the Caribbean. Bakelite jewelry was another popular style.
Retro jewelry is particularly popular in the United States. It is the large, bold and often flamboyant look favored by the Hollywood stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Base metals were more common than precious metals. Charm bracelets are an example of popular pieces. The pieces can still be found today and they are popular with someone who wants an attractive and unique look.
Fashion jewelry from each of these periods can be found today, both in original designs and in pieces that have the look of the historical pieces, but are created today. The many styles and designs allow the wearer to pick and choose from various eras to find a look that is right for the moment. You may choose a romantic Victorian piece for one event but a more streamlined art deco piece for another environment. Either piece would be entirely appropriate.
A.Moosa is founder of Outfit Additions, a California based women’s fashion accessories retailer. View the collection of belts, unique necklaces, and a variety of fashion jewelry at the store.
