The Georgian Era, spanning over 120 years under four King Georges, saw slower advancements in jewelry compared to other periods. Today, high-quality Georgian jewelry is rare, with most pieces either lost, held in museums, or no longer in existence, making it a prized find for collectors.

Materials and Gems of Georgian Era Jewelry

Georgian jewelry was crafted from yellow gold and silver, featuring gemstones like diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, topaz, garnet,
glass, and paste. Due to the limited development of stone-cutting
tools and techniques, the jewelry from this era is easily dated.
Popular diamond cuts include point cuts, table cuts, old mine cuts,
antique cushion cuts, single cuts, and rose cuts.

The Victorian Era is named after Queen Victoria of England, who reigned during the 1800s and influenced significant changes in jewelry styles. The era is divided into three periods, reflecting different stages of her life: the Romantic Victorian Era, the Grand Victorian Era, and the Aesthetic Victorian Era.

Materials and Gems of Victorian Era Jewelry

Victorian jewelry is more abundant and accessible than Georgian-era pieces. Gold and silver were the dominant metals, while popular
gemstones included garnets, amethyst, turquoise, sapphires, pearls, and diamonds.

The Edwardian Era (1901-1910), named after King Edward VII, marked the first widespread use of platinum in jewelry, alongside gold. Also known as the La Belle Epoque Era, this period was significant in jewelry history, with platinum quickly gaining popularity a standalone material.

Materials and Gems of Edwardian Era Jewelry

Edwardian jewelry featured diamonds, onyx, and pearls as the primary stones, with colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies used sparingly as accents. Platinum became the dominant metal, often mixed with gold to create a striking effect.

The Art Deco period, emerging after World War I, was named after the 1925 Paris Expo. Known for its geometric, angular, and clean designs, Art Deco jewelry differed greatly from the Georgian and Victorian styles and influenced architects in designing iconic landmarks.

Materials and Gems of Art Deco Era Jewelry

Art Deco jewelry (1920s-1930s) featured diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, emphasizing geometric precision and opulence. Platinum was the preferred metal, valued for its strength and ability to support intricate, angular designs. The result was sleek, sharp, and luxurious pieces that embodied the era's modern elegance.

The Retro Era, which ended with World War II, drew heavy inspiration from the war and the subsequent victory. While it retained the symmetry of the Art Deco period, the style evolved into bolder, stronger, and more dramatic designs, reflecting a sense of resilience and optimism.

Materials and Gems of Retro Era Jewelry

Retro Era jewelry (1940s-1950s) featured yellow gold and rose gold, used in bold, chunky designs that conveyed luxury. Colored gemstones like amethysts, aquamarines, citrines, and sapphires were prominent, often set in large, striking styles. The combination of vibrant stones and intricate metalwork reflected the exuberance and optimism of the post-war era.