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We have launched our new website. Some work is still in progress, and online purchasing will not be available during the first few weeks. Orders can currently be placed by email only. We expect this to be resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Some background info on Victorian jewelry

Victorian Decorative Arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era (the period of Queen Victoria's reign from June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901). The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the Middle East and Asia in furniture, fittings, and interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in an excess of ornament. The Victorian period can roughly be divided into three distinct periods: the Romantic (1837 - 1860), Grand (1861 - 1885), and Late or Aesthetic Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this beautiful bracelet to be of the Grand Period. Jewellery from this period was often a re-interpretation of ancient, Renaissance, and Gothic patterns and styles. The most important (ancient) ornament in this bracelet is the wreath, an ornament with much history and symbolism associated with it - most of it goes back to Greek mythology.

The Romans' use of laurel wreaths echoed the Greek traditions. The wreath was a symbol in the arts, literature, government, and education in Roman society. In the arts, it expressed that one was valued and respected with a laurel wreath resting atop one’s head. Kings in both Greece and Rome donned the laurel wreath to illustrate sovereignty. Julius Caesar, for example, proclaimed the laurel wreath "to be a symbol of the supreme ruler." The wreaths worn by kings were reminiscent of the traditional laurel wreath by the shape and its connotation, yet were embellished with gold and gems. (This eventually led to the modern-day crown.)

But all this info aside: it's a sheer joy, looking at how the wreath elegantly drapes itself around the wrist in a fluent line of diamonds. And yet, it does not scream out loud, a refined piece of French craftsmanship so typical of what the French call "Haute Joaillerie" (high class/high standards jewellers).

"Haute Joaillerie" (high class/high standards jewelers).

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Click the following link to see all our Victorian jewellery.