Antique Georgian Jewelry 4 - Post 6b

Antique Georgian Jewelry 4 - Post 6b

  •  A look at Georgian Jewelry

 

 

#6958  


Georgian jewelry has begun to assume an almost mystical aura. So little remains. It's incomparable. Last week we began to look at the when and where of Georgian jewelry. Let's look at some actual pieces. **

A lot of fine jewelry made during this era had stones (especially diamonds) set in silver, backed with gold. The quantity of gems available was limited before the discoveries of sources in South America and Africa. Technology was far behind that used today and cutting stones was a very simple matter of lopping off a few facets. Most stones were foil-backed to add or enhance their color.

                                                           #5381 
Georgian foil-backed amethyst earrings with a big look.

As time and technology progressed, we begin to find gems in open-backed settings.

Time and effort compensated for the relative paucity of gems. Craftsmen took great pride and care in their work and invested an amount of effort that would be incomprehensible in today's world of mass-production.
                           #7284  Look at the detail in the gold and wirework - all hand-done in these earrings.

Platinum was not in general use.

Sentimental and romantic jewellery was given to friends and relatives. Eye portrait jewelry, rare and often faked today, became popular after a then current Prince George, gave one to his lady-friend.   

#7131  an authentic eye portrait, set in gold.


Blue was a popular colour and insinuated a royal connection as well as symbolising the heavens.
   #7445 Blue enamel and diamond ring. 

We touched on similarities and differences in styles of jewelry made in different European countries. - Iberian jewellery is distinct from English or French and even within the arena of French jewels, there is a difference between pieces from Paris and those made in the distant provinces. Religious jewels were common - what Normandy woman would be without her hearts and crosses?

                               

Early 18C Georgian Necklace Pendant Gold & Diamonds (#4545) 



At a time when life was not so easily taken for granted, Mourning jewelry became very popular and is keenly sought after by many collectors today. Being almost entirely black, it is considered elegant and smart regardless of its original intention.
What could be smarter than this pair of long black earrings? #5336

                                   


While only the aristocracy could afford the really great pieces, every human wants to adorn him or herself and so cheaper imitations of the expensive gems were made in 'paste', which was actually worn by both rich and poor. Until the mid 20th century, there was no shame in wearing imitation gems. While the gems may not have been 'real', the workmanship was exactly as meticulous and fine as that in the luxury pieces. Most of them were mounted in real gold. It is highly sought after by collectors today. Prices of paste jewels have soared, yet compared to genuine gems, they are still relatively affordable and look even more fabulous after a few hundred years of maturing.

#5627 



**There will be more blog articles about Georgian antique miniature eye jewelry, blue bagues de firmament (royal blue rings with diamonds), aigrettes and cannetille.

Questions and comments: Please email antiques@brendaginsberg.com
Find jewelry on www.brendaginsberg.com

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.