In Fine Fashion: Symbolism of Victorian Jewelry

Do you know of the hidden gems embedded in Victorian jewelry? Once upon a time, pendants were much more than mere ornaments. They were insignia. Each design carried motifs and qualities with precious meaning, supposedly describing its owner. Victorian ladies were what they wore, so to speak. For example, a necklace with a holly design...

Victorian Slide Jewelry

Before the invention of the wrist watch, Victorian women would wear their hunter case watches as a necklace, adding ornate, engraved pieces to the chain. Thus, slide jewelry was born! Composed of a “starter” chain with various gemstone "slides" added to it, Victorian slide jewelry allowed women to customize to their liking, much like the...

The Origins of “Jet-Black”

One of the more fascinating histories of Victorian jewelry is that of jet. Jet is a fossilized driftwood, smooth and lightweight with an intense black color, that can be found in the seaside cliffs of Whitby, England.   The most prolific patron of this sought-after “gemstone” was Queen Victoria. In an era that called for...