Early (Romantic) Victorian Period
1837
c.1837
c.1837
c.1838
c.1839
c.1839
1840
c.1840
c.1840
1841
c.1842
1842
1843
1846
1847
1848
c.1848
1848
c.1849
c.1849
1850
c.1850
c.1850
c.1851
c.1851
1851
1852
1852
1852
1853
c.1853
1853
c.1854
c.1854
1855
c.1855
c.1855
1856
1857
c.1857
1858
1858
1859
c.1859
c.1859
c.1860
c.1860
![Locket with Daguerreotype.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Daguerreotype-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Louis J.M. Daguerre perfects daguerreotype photographic process. .
- The telegraph is patented by Cooke and Wheatstone, improved by Samuel Morse, first message sent 1844.
![Victorian Engraved Silver "Garter" Bracelet.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Victorian_Garter_Bracelet-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Enameled garter armlet made for Queen Victoria
- Order of the Garter strap and buckle motifs become popular.
- Tiffany & Young Founded in New York.
![Victorian Vulcanite Locket and Chain.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/victorian-vulcanite-locket-necklace_4_90-3-11387-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Charles Goodyear invents and patents (1844) vulcanized rubber; displays products at Crystal Palace in 1851.
![Patek Philippe Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/patek_philippe-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Patek, Czapek & Cie. established by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek.
![Prince Albert, Prince Consort to Queen Victoria.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Prince_Albert-150x150.jpg)
General History
- Victoria weds Prince Albert who introduces a more sentimental Romanticism from a Germanic perspective.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Electroplating commercialized, patented by Elkingtons of Birmingham.
- Large scale jewelry manufacturing begins in the USA.
- Process for permanently foiled pastes discovered.
- Steam power first used for diamond cutting in Amsterdam.
- Repoussé and machine stamping replace cannetille. (c.)
![Victorian Scottish Agate Garter & Buckle Motif Brooch.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Victorian_Scottish_Garter_Brooch-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Scottish motifs in ‘pebble’ (agate) jewelry popularized, continuing through the rest of the century.
- Algerian Knot Motif introduced in Paris.
Jewelry History
- Duty on imported jewelry and mounted gemstones levied by USA.
![Gutta Percha Cameo Pendant.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gutta-percha-cameo-carved-pendant_1_90-1-2917-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Gutta-percha introduced in Paris.
- Excavations of the ancient Assyrian capital of Nineveh begin.
![Riker Bros. Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/riker_bros-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Riker, Tay & Searing founded in Newark, NJ, Becomes Riker Bros. in 1892.
![Native Gold in a Quartz Matrix Set as a Masonic Fob.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Gold_Quartz_Masonic_Fob-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Gold discovered in California.
- Thomas H Lowe of Birmingham Introduces Rolled Gold Plating Process (a.k.a. Gold-Filled) to Providence, RI, Manufacturers.
![Victorian Opal Necklace.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/late-victorian-opal-necklace_3_90-1-6492-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- The safety pin invented and patented by W. Hunt.
- Gold electroplating patented.
- Opals first discovered in Australia, the first with play-of-color in 1863.
General History
- High tariff placed on foreign goods imported into the USA.
![Victorian Brooch with Trombone Clasp.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/large-victorian-austro-hungarian-ruby-and-emerald-rose-brooch_5_50-1-10619-1-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Tube-shaped (‘trombone’) safety catch patented by Charles Rowley of Birmingham, England.
![Garnet & Glass Doublet Bracelet.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/english-garnet-and-glass-doublet-bracelet-c-1911_2_40-1-10939-1-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Brooches with swiveling compartments introduced (c.)
- Garnet-glass doublets first introduced (c.)
![Crystal Palace: Queen Victoria Opens The Great Exhibition of Industry of All Nations, 1851. London.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/crystal_palace_-_queen_victoria_opens_the_great_exhibition.jpg)
General History
- First international exhibition, the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, was held at the Crystal Palace in London.
![6 Loose Diamonds in Different Cuts.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/thumbnail_loose_diamonds-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Gold and diamonds first discovered in Australia.
- Hard rubber (Vulcanite) (vulcanite) patented by Nelson Goodyear.
![Edward C. Moore for Tiffany & Co. Mixed Metals Tray c.1878 and Centerpiece c.1880. Photo Courtesy of Christie's](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Edward_C._Moore_Tiffany-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Edward Moore becomes design director of Tiffany & Co.
- Artificial aventurine (‘goldstone’) exhibited at Crystal Palace.
General History
- Louis Napoleon becomes Napoleon III, marking the beginning of the French Second Empire.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Machine for heat-pressing bog oak patented.
![Tiffany & Co. Maker's Mark Photo Courtesy of Toomey & Co. Auctioneers](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/TIffany-Co.-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Tiffany & Co. introduces the English sterling standard to the USA.
General History
- Commodore Matthew Perry sails the American fleet into Japan; opens East-West trade relations.
- Crystal Palace exhibition held in New York, modeled after London Exhibition.
![Andradite Garnet, var. Demantoid.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Andradite-Demantoid_Garnet_Ring-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Demantoid garnet discovered in the Ural Mountains, identified as green andradite in 1864, named demantoid in 1878.
![Tiffany & Co. Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/tiffany-co2-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Charles Lewis Tiffany becomes sole owner, taking over Tiffany & Young and the company becomes Tiffany & Co. in 1853.
- Process for bloomed gold documented.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Results of first commercially successful aluminum reduction process published by Henri Ste. Claire Deville.
- Samuel Peck’s patent for shellac composition daguerreotype cases.
![Victorian 15K Gold Bracelet, Deakin & Francis.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/40-1-10130-1-of-1-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Use of 15-, 12-, and 9-karat gold made legal in England.
General History
- Paris Exposition Universelle, aluminum articles first exhibited.
Discoveries & Innovations
- R.W. Bunsen begins using gas-air burner that is his namesake.
- Patents for Bois durci, Parkesine, and artificial coral issued.
![Fahrner, Theodor Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fahrner_theodor-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Theodor Fahrner founds jewelry factory in Pforzheim, Germany.
- First aluminum jewelry made in France (c.)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Wm. Perkin accidentally discovers the first synthetic aniline (coal-tar) dye, mauve.
General History
- Financial ‘Panic of 1857’ affects all of U.S. industries.
![Victorian Diamond, Platinum, and Rose Gold Wood Motif Cuff Links.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/victorian-platinum-rose-gold-and-diamond-wood-motif-cufflinks_1_130-1-346-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Furnace to melt platinum and its alloys developed by Henri Ste. Clair Deville.
- Snake chain making machine patented in the USA.
General History
- First attempted laying of a transatlantic cable.
General History
- Construction of the Suez Canal begins..
Discoveries & Innovations
- Comstock Lode silver discovered in Nevada.
- Jewels of Queen Ah-Hotep of Egypt discovered.
Jewelry History
- First attempt at organized jewelers’ union in USA, not successful until 1900 (International Jewelry Workers Union of America).
Discoveries & Innovations
- English patent for a machine to manufacture stamped settings (collets) for stones granted to Frenchmen Bouret and Ferré.
![The Emperor Maximillian Diamond Weighing 39.55 Carats. Photo Courtesy of Christie's.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Emperor_Maximillian_Diamond-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Henry D. Morse opens the first American diamond-cutting factory in Boston and develops standards for the American round brilliant cut, 1872-75.
- Emperor Maximilian & Maximilian Diamonds are purchased in Brazil by Emperor Maximilian himself.
- Fouquet opens up shop.
- Ernest Gaillard takes over his father’s workshops in Paris.
Mid (Grand) Victorian Period
1861
c.1861
1862
1862
c.1862
1863
c.1863
c.1865
c.1865
c.1866
1867
c.1867
c.1867
c.1868
c.1868
1869
c.1869
c.1869
1870
c.1870
1872
c.1872
c.1872
1873
c.1873
1874
c.1874
c.1874
c.1875
1876
c.1876
1876
c.1877
1877
1878
c.1878
c.1878
c.1879
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884
![Victoria In Mourning.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Victoria2-150x150.jpg)
General History
- Prince Consort Albert dies; Victoria enters a prolonged period of mourning.
- U.S. Civil War begins (1861-1865); Lincoln inaugurated.
![Victorian Diamond and Black Enamel Jewelry Suite.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/victorian-black-enamel-bracelet-brooch-and-ring-suite_1_40-1-10064-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Wearing of (black) mourning jewelry required at British court until circa 1880.
- Fortunato Pio Castellani turns business over to son Augusto.
General History
- International Exhibition held in London..
![](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1862London2.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Japanese decorative arts exhibited for the first time in the West.
![Castellani Gold & Enamel Bangle Bracelet.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/castellani-gold-and-black-enamel-bangle-bracelet_1_40-1-4029-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Archaeological revival gold jewelry exhibited by Castellani of Rome at International Exhibition.
- Reverse intaglios by Charles Cook shown at International Exhibition
![Queen Alexandra, Princess of Wales Wearing a Dog Collar (Among Her Many Other Necklaces.)](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Queen_Alexandra_dog_collar-202x300.jpg)
General History
- Edward, Prince of Wales, marries Alexandra of Denmark.
![Idol's-Eye Diamond.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Idols_eye-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- The Idol’s Eye diamond‘s first appearance in recorded history; it is sold by Christie’s
![Exposition Universelle Paris 1867.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Exposition_Universelle_1867.jpg)
General History
- Paris International Exhibition.
Discoveries & Innovations
- First authenticated diamond, the ‘Eureka’, discovered in South Africa.
![Egyptian Revival Scarab and Papyrus Design Plique-a-Jour Brooch.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/silver-plique-a-jour-egyptian-revival-scarab-brooch_1_50-1-4590-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Egyptian Revival jewelry exhibited at Paris Exposition.
- John Brogden wins gold medal for his jewelry.
- Parisian firm Boucheron begins production of plique à jour enamels.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Celluloid, the first successful semi-synthetic thermoplastic, invented in USA by John Wesley Hyatt; commercial production begins in 1873.
![Gorham Manufacturing Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gorham-manufacturing4-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Gorham Mfg. Co., Providence, RI, adopts the sterling standard of 925 parts per thousand.
![Map and Satellite Image of the Suez Canal.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/631px-Canal_de_Suez-150x150.jpg)
General History
- First trans-continental railroad from Omaha to San Francisco.
- Suez Canal opened.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Diamond Rush begins in South Africa with the discovery of the Star of Africa.
Jewelry History
- Henry D. Morse cuts the Dewey Diamond, largest found in America to date (23,75ct, cut to 11,70 ct).
- American Horological Journal first published, merges with The Jewelers’ Circular to become The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review.
General History
- Fall of the French Empire.
- Start of a recession in Europe that lasts throughout the decade.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Diamonds discovered in Kimberley, South Africa.
- Japanese craftsmen introduce metal-working techniques and designs to the West.
![Fabergé Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/faberge_makers_mark-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Peter Carl Fabergé takes over his father’s business.
- Influx of European craftsmen and designers into the USA.
- Jewelers’ Circular founded, the first issue published February 15.
General History
- International Exhibition held in London.
![Tiffany Setting for a Diamond Engagement Ring.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tiffany_Setting_Diamond_Engagement_Ring-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Ferdinand J Herpers of Newark, NJ, patents six prong setting for diamonds, introduced as the Tiffany setting by Tiffany & Co. in 1886.
- Black Opals discovered in Queensland, Australia.
Jewelry History
- Celluloid commercial production begins; trade name registered, 1873.
![Universal Exhibition held in Vienna,1873.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Rotunde_Weltausstellung_1873-150x150.jpg)
General History
- Universal Exhibition held in Vienna.
![](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Morse-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Henry D. Morse and Charles M. Field obtain British and U.S. (1874, 1876) patents for steam-driven bruting (diamond cutting) machines.
General History
- Deadwood, Dakota.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Gold discovered in Black Hills of Dakota Territory.
- Patents for artificial coral, tortoiseshell, amber, jet (celluloid).
![Liberty & Co. Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/liberty__co4-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- Arthur Lazenby Liberty founds Liberty & Co. of London.
- The Celluloid Mfg. Co. begins jewelry production in Newark, NJ.
![Opening Day at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Centennial_exhibition.jpg)
General History
- Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia.
- Wearing of swords banned in Japan.
- Queen Victoria becomes Empress of India.
![Alexander Graham Bell Speaking into a Prototype Telephone in 1876.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Bell_Speaking_into_Telephone-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Alexander Graham Bell patents the telephone.
![Castellani Victorian Etruscan Revival Disk Form Earrings with Granulation and Wirework Decoration.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Etruscan_Revival_Disk_Earrings-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Alessandro Castellani presents and lectures on Etruscan revival jewelry at Centennial Exposition.
![A Selection of Faceted Synthetic Corundum and Spinel.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Synth1-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Advent of bottled oxygen (liquefied and compressed).
- Successful experiments with chemical manufacture of very small rubies and sapphires in Paris, published by Frémy.
![Aucoc](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Aucoc-127x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Aucoc buys Parisian firm ‘Lobjois’ and changes it’s name to ‘La Maison Aucoc’.
![Exposition Universelle Paris 1878. Cite de la Republique Champs de Mars Paris, Model of the head of the Statue of Liberty](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Exposition_Paris_1878-150x150.jpg)
General History
- Paris Exposition Universelle.
![Tiffany & Co. 128.54 Carat Diamond c.1879.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tiffany_Yellow-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Earring covers for diamond earrings patented.
- Tiffany & Co. 128.54 Carat Diamond c.1879.
![](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Unger-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Tiffany & Co. awarded gold medal for encrusted metals technique in the Japanesque style at Paris Exhibition.
- Unger Bros. of Newark, NJ, begins the manufacture of silver jewelry.
![Edison's light bulb from his patent in 1879](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Light_bulb-136x150.png)
Discoveries & Innovations
- T.A. Edison patents incandescent light bulb. .
- Hiddenite, green variety of spodumene, found in North Carolina, USA.
![George Frederick Kunz.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Georgekunz-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Gem expert George Frederick Kunz joins Tiffany & Co.
General History
- Rational Dress Society founded in Great Britain.
![Child and Child Enamel, Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Butterfly Brooch c.1896. Photo Courtesy of Christie's.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Child_and_Child_Brooch-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Child & Child is established in London.
- Cecil Rhodes establishes De Beers Mining Company in South Africa (renamed De Beers Consolidated Mines in 1888).
- Mass production of wristwatches begins in Switzerland, introduced in the USA
![Savioy Theatre, London, England](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Savoy_Theatre-150x150.jpg)
General History
- First electrically lit theatre, The Savoy, opens in London.
![Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Ring.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/exceptional-2-62-carat-kashmir-sapphire-and-diamond-ring-agl_2_30-3-11738-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Blue sapphires discovered in Kashmir, N. India.
General History
- Metropolitan Opera House opens in New York City.
Late (Aesthetic) Victorian Period
1886
c.1886
1887
c.1887
c.1887
c.1888
1889
1889
c.1889
1890
1891
c.1891
1892
1893
c.1893
1894
1894
1894
1895
c.1895
c.1895
1897
c.1897
c,1897
c.1898
c.1897
1899
c.1899
1900
c.1900
c.1900
![Statue of Liberty Dedicated.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Statue-of-Liberty-News-150x150.png)
General History
- Statue of Liberty dedicated.
Jewelry History
- Richard W. Sears starts a mail-order company to sell watches (second company to sell jewelry and watches founded in 1889).
- Tiffany setting for diamond solitaires introduced.
![Belais Manufacturing Co. Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/belais_18k-150x150.png)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Hall-Héroult process for refining aluminum developed; first commercial production in Switzerland, value drops.Celluloid photographic film invented by Hannibal W. Goodwin.
- Gold extraction by cyanide process Invented by John Stewart, Macarthur and the Forrest brothers.
- The Belais brothers of New York begin experimenting with alloys for white gold (c.). David Belais introduces his formula to the trade in 1917 (18k Belais).
![Louis XV's Crown.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Couronne_Louis_XV-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Tiffany & Co. purchases the French Crown Jewels.
- Birmingham (England) Jewellers’ and Silversmiths’ Association formed by manufacturers.
![Ashbee, Charles Robert Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ashbee_charles_robert_makers_mark-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- C.R. Ashbee’s Guild of Handicraft founded in London, the first crafts guild to specialize in jewelry making and metalwork. <
![Construction of the Eifel Tower.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Construction_of_the_Eiffel_Tower.jpg)
General History
- Paris Exposition Universelle – Eiffel Tower constructed.
![Lightning Ridge Fire Opal and Diamond Brooch.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lightning-ridge-fire-opal-and-diamond-pin_1_50-1-2456-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Black Opals discovered in NSW, Australia; commercial mining at Lightning Ridge begins in 1903.
![Boivin, René Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/boivin-150x150.png)
Jewelry History
- René Boivin establishes Boivin in France.
- Tiffany & Co. exhibits enameled orchid jewels by Paulding Farnham at the Exposition Universelle.
![The Gibson Girl.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Gibson.jpg)
General History
- Gibson’s Gibson Girl appears in Life magazine.
General History
- The marking of foreign imports with the name of the country of origin in English required by the enactment of the McKinley Tariff Act, October, 1890.
- Patent for artificial horn (celluloid).
Discoveries & Innovations
- Frémy publishes experiments with ruby synthesis, drawings of synthetic-set jewelry.
- Power driven bruting (girdling) machine for cutting diamonds patented in England.
- First commercial opal mine opened in Australia.
![Marcus & Co. Art Nouveau Opal and Enamel Pendant Necklace.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Marcus__Co._Art_Opal_Necklace-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Marcus & Co. formerly Jaques & Marcus, established in New York.
- Vogue magazine founded in the USA.
General History
- World’s Colombian Exposition in Chicago.
![69.68 ct. Excelsior I, G-VS2. Photo Courtesy of Mouawad.com.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Excelsior_I-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Excelsior Diamond is found in South Africa.
- Cultured pearls first developed by K. Mikimoto in Japan; first spherical pearls grown 1905.’Platingeld’ introduced, used for simulated gold and platinum chains.
General History
- Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope Parlor (‘peepshow’) opens in New York City.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Cross & Bevean, UK, issued patent for cellulose acetate
![Screw Back Finding.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screw_back-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Screw back earring finding for unpierced ears patented.
General History
- American Consuelo Vanderbilt marries the British Duke of Marlborough.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Bonzano Creek Gold Rush in Klondike, Yukon, Canada.
- The wireless telegraph invented by Guglielmo Marconi (first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901).
- Blue sapphires discovered in Yogo Gulch, Montana.
![Entrance to Samuel Bing's L'Art Nouveau c.1895.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Samuel_Bing_Storefront-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Sigfried (aka Samuel) Bing opens his new Paris gallery of decorative art called L’Art Nouveau.
- René Lalique exhibits jewelry at the Bing gallery and the Salon of the Societé des Artistes Français; begins work on a series of 145 pieces for Calouste Gulbenkian.
- Daniel Swarowski opens Glass stone-cutting factory in Tirol, Austria.
![Queen_Victoria_Jubilee Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee 1897.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Queen_Victoria_Jubilee-q88jzchks8qcheu40zm1c1e5ve922s252bwuieza7y.jpg)
General History
- Queen Victoria‘s Diamond Jubilee.
![White Casein Australian Royal Air Force Buttons.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/White_casein_Australian_Royal_Airforce_pre-1953_buttons-150x150.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Casein plastics marketed in Germany.
![LaCloche Freres Maker's Mark](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Lacloche-Freres-Makers-Mar-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Lacloche Frères established in Paris.
- Boston and Chicago Arts and Crafts Societies founded.
General History
- Spanish-American War.
![Miners During the Gold Rush in Alaska ca 1900.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alaskangoldminers.jpg)
Discoveries & Innovations
- Alaska Gold Rush.
- Commercial sapphire mining begins in Rock Creek, Montana.
- Commercial tourmaline mining begins in San Diego County CA.
General History
- Boer war in South Africa starts, lasts until 1902.
![Natural Pearl and Diamond Aigrette.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Aigrette_with_Feather-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Aigrettes reach the peak of their popularity (c.)
- Diamond supplies curtailed by the Boer war, prices for De Beers’ reserve stock rise.
![The Entrance to the 1900 Paris Exposition](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Grand_entrance_Exposition_Universal_1900_Paris_France-150x150.jpg)
General History
- Paris Exposition Universelle.
Discoveries & Innovations
- Oxyacetylene torch invented by Edmund Fouché.
- The diamond saw is invented by a Belgian working in the USA. (c.1900)
- Synthetic rubies exhibited at Paris Exposition.
![Tiffany Iris Corsage Brooch Set With Montanna Sapphires. © The Walters Art Museum.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tiffany_Iris_Corsage_Brooch-150x150.jpg)
Jewelry History
- Tiffany & Co. exhibits a life-size iris corsage ornament set with Montana blue sapphires.
- Boucheron, Fouquet, Lalique, Vever and other French jewelers display their Art Nouveau jewels at the Paris exposition.
- The Kalo Shop founded by Clara Barck Welles in Chicago, IL begins jewelry making in 1905, closed in 1970.
- USA officially adopts the gold standard with McKinley’s signing of the Gold Standard Act.