By Kaaren Bedi
Wedding season is upon us! We thought it would be fun to look back in history at popular wedding jewelry over the last 200 years.
Let’s jump into the time machine and take a look:
First stop: 1816. It’s the height of what we have come to call the Georgian Period. The reign of kings George I, II, III and IV lasted from 1714 to 1837.
Types of jewelry worn were the stomacher (a large element worn similarly to a huge brooch at the center of the stomach just below the breasts and trailing down the front), aigrettes (elements for the hair), Girandoles (three drop earrings), Pendeloque earrings (a bow and drop form), necklaces (sometimes secured by ribbons, rings, slides), bracelets typically worn in pairs usually slipped onto a ribbon, chatelaines, and buckles and buttons – for men for shoes, breeches and other clothing. Suites of jewels called parures were popular especially as wedding jewelry. A Parure consisted of earrings, brooches, a necklace, bracelets and in many cases a tiara or crown. The suite pictured of gold and Peridot was worn by Princess Charlotte in 1816 on the occasion of her wedding.
Flash forward to 1916.
Art Nouveau and what we call the Bell Epoch and the Edwardian period are on the verge of making way for Art Deco. It is a time ripe with design. It was also the middle of WW I.
The sweeping organic designs enriched by nuanced enamel and unusual gemstones defines the Art Nouveau style. Of all the important jewelers working in that style really only one remains in business: Masriera. Known for creating many of the techniques that have come to define the style, they remain the oldest continually operating jewelry houses in the world.
Wedding rings are particularly stunning during this period. They are nearly always platinum and feature lots of pierced and engraved detail and are set with diamonds. Highly sought-after even now, the Edwardian engagement ring is a perfect example of enduring design.
Truly a reminder that great designs transcend time.
Smith & Bevill, your local family jewelry store, has AGS certified appraisers on staff as well as master gold smiths and factory certified watch makers. We also buy gold, silver and platinum jewelry.
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