A List of the Unique Facts About the Victorian Jewelry Period

The period for the Victorian Jewelry Era spans approximately 60 years (1837-1901). It also has three different periods - Early, Mid and Late Victorian. Named Victorian, after Queen Victoria of England during her 60 years as the ruler of England. She loved her jewelry and loved designing her own.

During the EARLY VICTORIAN era when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were married, sentimental jewelry such as lockets and jewelry made of human hair were very popular. Engagement rings given during this era, were not diamonds,but were gemstones that represented a bride's month of birth. Snake jewelry, such as rings and bracelets represented fidelity and love. Their love for Scotland, popularized Scottish jewelry in England.

After Prince Albert's death, Queen Victoria went into a very deep mourning period that lasted 40 years, during the MID VICTORIAN era, mourning jewelry became popular made from jet, dark oak and other dark materials. Many forms of jewelry were made from these materials--cameos, brooches, bracelets, necklaces.

During the LATE VICTORIAN Period multi colored gemstones made a big comeback as well as gold jewelry. Bangle bracelets that were engraved became quite popular to wear. Whimsical jewelry became popular, as well as nature jewels such as butterflies, flowers. As well, crescent moons and stars set with seed pearls and worn as brooches became very popular. Diamonds were set in many pieces of jewelry for that added sparkle.

Meaning of Key Jewelry Pendants

Jewelry can have an expression or meaning to the wearer that is unique to the individual.

The KEY can symbolize the KEY to one's heart, the KEY of ife, hard work is the KEY of success and so on. As well, a KEY can represent newe beginning as you open the door to new opportunities.

Two of my favorite expressions include :

"A soul-mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys and keys to fit our locks" ~ Richard Bach

"Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others" ~ William Arthur Ward

Do you remember when you were a child, and you hung your house keys around your neck with a piece of string? I certainly do, and I can tell you that my keys never looked as pretty as the ones above.

A Guide to the Different Types of Jewelry Settings

If you are planning to purchase a piece of jewelry, whether its custom made or store purchased, there are numerous settings that gems are set into and knowing a little about them can help you in making the right choice when purchasing your purchase. Some stones benefit from one type of setting, while the beauty of another stone might not suit a particular setting. The list below highlights the more common settings.

1. Prong/claw settings are the most common settings that are on the market. The metal has tips that secure and hold the stone in place. Average number of prongs is 4, but 6 and 8 is fairly common--usually dependent on stone size.


2. Bezel settings stones are placed within a setting and have a slightly raised "collar" with the metal wrapped around it.


3. Channel settings are usually seen in bands where there is a small 'channel' carved and the stones are very tightly set beside each other. Stones are flush with the setting.


4. Pave settings are a cluster of gemstones that are set very closely together. Gems are separated and held with tiny prongs. The surface of the setting resembles a pavement.


5. Tension setting, while it showcases your gem, is not as secure, since the gem is held between two pieces of metal. Imagine a round band that is split in the center, pulled apart, a stone placed in the center and then the edges pulled in. The stone is suspended between two edges.

In conclusion, while setting may not seem significant, it can really make a difference whether a stone reflects its maximum beauty. A good jeweler will advise you accordingly. If you have any questions, it is always my pleasure to assist you.

A Guide to Different Ring Styles

There are so many different ring styles available today, and the names of some of these rings might not be familiar to the average consumer. So here is a list of some of the more common ring styles to help you when you are looking for a particular type of ring.

Posy/Posey Rings - are bands that have an inscription on the outside or inside of the diameter of the ring. Quite often they are romantic expressions, i.e. wedding band, friendship band.

Dinner Ring - I like to refer to these as Statement Rings - they are usually large rings, worn on their own and are set with a large gem, or many gems. Definitely a conversation piece!

Bands - When you think of band, it is commmon to think of wedding bands, but today, bands can signify many things - friendship, promise, commitment, sporty ring. You can wear bands in multiples as stacking rings.

Eternity Ring - Commonly referred to as a diamond eternity ring. The diamonds are set on the top or all the way around a band.

Solitaire - A single stone set on its own - e.g. a diamond solitaire, or any gemstone stone that is solo.

Cluster - A cluster of small gems that are set close together.

Trinity Ring - a 3 stone ring - the stones are usually the same size, are set next to each other and are rings that are very traditional in design.

Carved Rings - often a certain gemstone will be carved into the shape of a beautiful and unique ring . It can also refer to the the individually carved gem which is set into a ring.