VICTORIAN

The Romantic Period (1837-1860) reflected the love of a nation for its young queen and her love for her husband, Prince Albert.

Amongst the most fashionable of Victorian unique jewellery motifs were those symbolising love and romance, with roses, doves and, of course, hearts amongst the most popular symbols of everlasting love.

While the diamonds and pearls that were popular amongst the rich in earlier periods remained just as popular throughout the Victorian era, this was a time in which brightly coloured gemstones became incredibly fashionable.

Mourning jewelry was also popular and was used as a way to memorialize and remember loved ones who had passed. Mourning jewelry ranged from painted lockets to jewelry that incorporated hair from the deceased. These pieces of jewelry were a way to literally keep loved ones close after death.