History of Jewellery

Earrings have been worn since at least 2,500 BC, by the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Bracelets have been worn by both men and women since metal working first began and were a symbol of status and wealth. Necklaces have been used throughout history for personal adornment and to reflect status or rank.

But here is some of the more recent history of how jewellery has evolved:

Victorian

The designation given to the period from approximately 1837 when Victoria became Queen of England until 1901 when she died. This long period is divided into early (approx. 1840 - 1860), mid [approx. 1860 -1880] and late [approx. 1880 – 1900] since it covers a number of distinctive design trends.

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts movement that began in the late 1800s as a rebellion against mass-production that was common in the late Victorian era. The designers wanted their work to look handmade, so jewellery of this era often has little hammer marks on it. Silver was more common than gold because it was used to emphasise the craftsmanship of the piece rather than its value. Stones such as moonstone, mother or pearl, agate, amber were often used.

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was popular from 1895 until World War I. The style was characterized by curves and naturalistic, fluid designs, unique representations of nature, floral elements, women with flowing hair, natural colors and unusual materials. Louis Comfort Tiffany made archetypal Art Nouveau pieces.

Edwardian

The Edwardian period (also known as the Belle Epoque, meaning "Beautiful Time" in French) was the time of the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910), although the style actually began during the final years of Queen Victoria. Edwardian jewelry is delicate and elegant and the designs frequently use bows, swags, garland effects and filagrees. Pearls and diamonds were often used, with coloured stones used less frequently, producing a light, monochrome look.

Art Deco

Art Deco was popular from the mid - 1910's until the mid - 1920's and originated in Paris, France. The art deco style was characterized by angular geometric shapes (very few curves), zigzags, bold colors, Czech glass beads and plastics such as celluloid and bakelite. This era began to use colored stones more - jade, onyx and sometimes coral. The art deco period began with very light designs but later progressed to become more bold and evolved into Art Moderne.

How to Wear Earrings

Oval faces – work with any shape of earring, as long as the size is balanced to the wearer.

Round faces – work well with earrings with length to elongate the face, so a drop earring is ideal.

Square-shaped faces – drop earrings which add length will be flattering.

Diamond-shaped faces – as for oval faces, but more dramatic designs may also work, and harder edges/ corners such as cut crystal are especially flattering.

Heart-shaped faces – ideal would be earrings which are wider at the bottom to balance a narrow chin, but button earrings also work well.

Oblong faces – look good with a small button earrings which draws the eye horizontally.