Posted in: Jewelry History
Victorian FashionPhoto Source: The Hooded Utilitarian The Victorian Era spans the duration of Queen Victoria’s reign in Great Britain, from 1837 to 1901. The jewelry and fashion industries of this era are divided into three distinct periods, corresponding directly with the three distinct periods that mark Queen Victoria's life. Some refer, rather monotonously, to these periods as Early, Mid-, and Late Victorian, though I like their more descriptive names far better: Romantic, Grand, and Aesthetic.
The Romantic Period commenced upon Her Majesty’s coronation as queen and came to an abrupt end the year her husband, Prince Albert, died. The Grand Period spanned the years just following Prince Albert’s death, from 1861 until 1885, and the Aesthetic Period overlapped a bit with the beginning of the Edwardian, Arts & Crafts, and Art Nouveau periods. This final period of the Victorian Era came to a close upon the noble Queen's death in 1901.
It is no secret that Queen Victoria loved bling. As a true romantic, the Romantic Period is lauded for the celebration of family, the popularization of foreign travel, and the uprise of Great Britain as an empire. During this exciting time, she and her husband inspired an entire century of innovation and creativity in jewelry design around the world. Unfortunately, at the tragic loss of her husband, Victoria took a dive into the darkness of death and mourning, taking the jewelry industry with her.
The Grand Period lasted until the public’s eye turned toward the lovely Princess Alexandra for inspiration in the realm of fashion. The popularity of the Princess coupled with Queen Victoria’s emergence for her Golden Jubilee in 1887 drew a nation out of mourning and brought the jewelry industry with it into the golden age of Aesthetic design. It was this period that ultimately ushered in the most intriguing jewelry movements of all time, Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco.
11 years ago
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