14ky Opal & Pearl Brooch

The Victorian Era consisted of three distinct periods. The Romantic Period, which spans from 1837 to 1861. This period took inspiration from the Renaissance, the Middle Ages and the natural world using delicate, intricate designs.

Gold was the standard material used in jewellery, and was often twisted into serpents, trees, lotus flowers and birds. Moving into the Grand Period (1861-1885), jewellery pieces took on a bolder design. Lockets took over as casual day wear along with brooches, bracelets and earrings. Mourning jewellery, often made with the hair of a deceased loved one, became popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Queen Victoria took to wearing pieces such as mourning lockets, jet, and various other black jewellery while mourning.

The Aesthetic Period takes us from 1885 to the end of the Victorian Era in 1901. With women becoming more involved within the world of business, politics, and sports, they wore much less jewellery. Instead, they opted for accessories that would keep their hands free such as lorgnettes, watches, and long chains to hold their coin purses. When jewellery was worn, the items were much lighter to fit their active lifestyle. Motifs such as hearts, bows, horseshoes, and crescents were prevalent in the Aesthetic Period. In 1901, Queen Victoria’s passing brought an end to the era.