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Victorian

The Victorian Era (1837-1901) began and ended with the reign of Queen Victoria in England. During this era candlelight was replaced with electricity, which was a major advance for jewellery artisans. The Victorian Era was a time dedicated to religion and love and this was reflected in the motifs of the jewellery of the time, as well as symbolism drawn from nature.

The Victorian Era is named after Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne of England at the age of 18. Historians often divide this long period into three parts: the Early Victorian or Romantic, the Middle Victorian or Grand, and the Late Victorian or Aesthetic periods, reflecting the stages of her life and the jewellery that was designed to represent them. The jewellery of the Romantic era (1837-1860) reflected society’s love for a young queen, and the love for her husband, Prince Albert. Prince Albert’s death in 1861 bought on the Grand era (1861-1885) and the Aesthetic era (1885-1901) saw a shift from the dark and heavy shapes of the Grand Era to the softer, lighter shapes of the French influenced Art Nouveau.

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