![Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/xHeader-Aesthetic-scaled.jpg)
![Mobile Header 3 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Mobile-Header-3-q88k0f12iz8xzcghacel0f2q7p7p7os1eh2q5cx56w.jpg)
The Aesthetic Period – 1885 – 1901
Throwing off old conventions, jewelry artists moved towards a more refined taste, reflected in artisanal rather than mass-produced creations.
Influences and Advancements
Electricity, Arts and Crafts/Art Nouveau Movements promoted original creations instead of imitations, Gibson Girls, Suffragist Movement.
Metals
![90-1-13848 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/90-1-13848-q88k0e38c57nnqhuftzyfxb9mbcbzzob2cf8o2yjd4.webp)
Lighter, airier jewelry designs took advantage of the availability of lower-karat gold.
![victorian-diamond-ruby-flower-and-scroll-bracelet_3_40-1-10242 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/victorian-diamond-ruby-flower-and-scroll-bracelet_3_40-1-10242-q88k0f12iz8xzcghacel0f2q7p7p7os1eh2q5cx56w.jpg)
Still a popular option for diamond jewelry requiring a white metal setting. The gold layer protected skin from silver tarnish.
![victorian-citrine-fob-pendant-1_2_90-1-13841 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/victorian-citrine-fob-pendant-1_2_90-1-13841-q88k0f12iz8xzcghacel0f2q7p7p7os1eh2q5cx56w.jpg)
Advancements in jewelry manufacturing made platinum available to jewelers. Early examples were small accents on gold.
![victorian-rolled-gold-chased-bangle-bracelet_1_40-1-1391 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/victorian-rolled-gold-chased-bangle-bracelet_1_40-1-1391-q88k0f12iz8xzcghacel0f2q7p7p7os1eh2q5cx56w.jpg)
Sheets of rolled gold plate were stamped into mass-produced jewelry items. This new form of costume jewelry was available at a lower price to a wider range of consumers.
Gemstones
![victorian-coral-pendant-2_2_90-1-12984 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/victorian-coral-pendant-2_2_90-1-12984-q88k0f12iz8xzcghacel0f2q7p7p7os1eh2q5cx56w.jpg)
For a softly curved effect, gems were frequently cut en cabochon (without facets). Designers were interested in stones for their beauty not their intrinsic value.
![victorian-opal-diamond-and-demantoid-garnet-necklace_1_90-1-13163 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/victorian-opal-diamond-and-demantoid-garnet-necklace_1_90-1-13163-q88k0e38c57nnqhuftzyfxb9mbcbzzob2cf8o2yjd4.jpg)
An influx of opals from Australia and the backing by Queen Victoria made them a fashion choice of the era.
![Demantoid Garnet Snake Brooch, c.1890. Demantoid Garnet Snake Brooch, c.1890.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/demantoid-garnet-snake-pin_4_50-1-10041-q88k0pdam5n3j21glyvh9ugsqxsqkcx33w92fehtag.jpg)
Discovered by accident in 1853 in Russia, these bright green garnets soon created “demantoid fever.”
![victorian-turquoise-and-pearl-necklace_3_90-1-12633 Victorian Blog Image](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/victorian-turquoise-and-pearl-necklace_3_90-1-12633-q88k0f12iz8xzcghacel0f2q7p7p7os1eh2q5cx56w.jpg)
Queen Victoria’s love of turquoise kept this gem at the “top of the charts” throughout the era.
Techniques/Innovations
In the late 1880s, advancements in jewelry manufacturing made platinum a viable metal for jewelry and it became a favorite for diamond mountings.
Styles/Motifs
Look for: Small studs were in vogue (for new upswept hairstyles a la the Gibson Girl). Diamond brooches sparkled in the hair and long diamond earrings on the ears at fancy evening events. Stylish longchains dangled lorgnettes (glasses) and watches. On the other end of the accessory spectrum, novelty jewels–bejeweled lizards, frogs, owls, and chickens to name a few–were all the rage. Small bar pins and delicate pendants (shamrocks, hearts, knots) were lovely and easy to wear. Horseshoes, crescent moons, crowns, bows, knots owls, and hearts were also popular motifs.
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